OR, 

A PICTURE OF FEUDAL TIMES IN IRELAND, 

; A JVational Mklo- Drama of the Fourteenth Century, ] 
IN THREE ACTS. 



BY GEORGE PEPPER, 

Editor of" The Irish Shield;^' and Author of the Success' 
fill Melo-Drama of " Ireland Redeemed; or, the Devoted 
Princess" lately performed at the La Fayette Theatre, 
JVe-w York. 



«< On Lough iSTeagh's banks as the fisherman strays, 

When the clear cold eve's declining, 
He sees the round towers of other days, ^ 

In the waves beneath him shining. " 

MOOBE, 






PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED BT THOMAS TOWS. 



1832. 
Fries 3H ctt. 



-^5;^^^^ 

> ' ^ -n 



-^-[^S 






TO MISS ROCK, 

AN ACCOMPLISHED IRISH LADY, 

Whose impressive and impassioned performances on the Stage, 

Are only surpassed by tlie Feminine Virtues, 

WITH WHICH SHE ABORKS THE SPHERE OF PRIVATE LITE; 

THIS MELO DRAMA, 

To whose success her vivid and graceful personation of its 

heroine in two theatres, so effectually 

contributed, 

IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED; | 

Intestimony of the admiration -which her brilliant talents as an 
ActresSy arid her elegant accomplishments as a Lady, 

HAVE EXCITED IK THE MIND OP 

The Author, 

GEORGE PEPPER. 

Philadelphia, June Sth, 1832. 



0i{x2 



\t^f 



PREFACE. 

Ik publishing the Drama of Kathleen O'JVeil, it is ne= 
cessary for the author to introduce it to the favour of 
the public, by a few prefatory observations. The ma- 
terials of this play were collected partly from history, 
and the legends of the county of Antrim. The author 
owes it to the respect which he entertains for the me- 
mory of the late Miss Baifouk, of Belfast, a gifted, pa- 
triotic, and graphic authoress, who has in her spirited 
poetry, and eloquent prose, enlarged and enriched the 
manor of Irish literature, to acknowledge on this occa- 
sion, that he has borrowed from her some of the scenes 
and incidents, as well as the outlines of three of the 
characters of his play. Candour and honour invoke 
from him this avowal, as he has too much literary pride 
to deck his reputation as a writer in stolen laurels. His 
ambition is to soarto " honest fame," on his own pinions. 
He never will plume his cap with borrowed feathers. 

For the flattering marks of applause, with which the 
audiences of the Walnut Street, and Arch Street Thea- 
tres received Kathleen O'JVeil, the author must ever 
cherish the most grateful remembrance. In the edito- 
rial columns of the Irish SMeld, he has already express- 
ed his obhgations of gratitude to the performers who 
represented the piece, in both Theatres. 

Mr. May-wood, the respectable acting manager of the 
Walnut Street Theatrcj (the original Black Brian,) pre= 



sented a spirited portrait of the hypocrite, that displayed 
great breadth of drawing, brilliancy of colouring, and 
impressiveness of effect. Mr. Fisher, as Cormac, was 
highly characteristic, and in some scenes reached a 
charm of humour beyond the sphere of the author's con- 
ception. Miss Rocky from the warmth of her patriotic 
feelings, entered into the very spirit of the character 
of the Ultonian Princess, and coloured her scenes with 
such delicate tints of sensibility and pathos, as affected 
the sympathy, and elicited the applause of the audience. 
Mrs. Turner, and the Misses Thayer and Riddle, sus- 
tained their respective parts with spirit and effect. Mr. 
Rowbotham, the stage manager, always a characteristic 
and efficient actor, made much of the little part 
Turloch. 

In Arch Street Theatre, the play was admirably per- 
formed, by an excellent cast. Miss Rock, (who kindly 
volunteered her valuable services for the author's Bene- 
fit,) represented the heroine with increased attraction 
of interest. Mrs. Jones, the manager's lady, threw a 
halo of conception and spirit round the character of 
Morna; and Mrs. Stickney and Miss Riddle, (the origi- 
nal Lady Minona,) contributed materially to the effect 
of the performance. The gentlemen exerted them- 
selves so meritoriously in sustaining the piece, that it 
would be invidious in the author to laud a few without 
awarding praise to the whole cast. 

In conclusion, the author would give a sketch of the 
plot and conduct of this drama, which is composed of 
a tissue of facts and fictions. 



The historical and legendary materials, out of which 
the author has vvroug-ht the Drama of Kathleen O^J^eil, 
are these. The news of the total defeat of the English 
army at the battle of Bannockburn, in 1314, by Robert 
Bruce, fills the Irish with joy and hope, who were then 
as they are now, grievously oppressed. The murder 
of Brian Roe, Prince of Thomond, by the De Clares 
and Geraldines, and the rapacious exactions of the 
Lord Deputy, Sir John Wogan^ from the native Irish, 
goaded the O'Neils, O'Connors, Mc Mahons, and 
O'Briens, to madness, who finding that arms alone could 
defend them from the aggression of despotism, they ac- 
cording to this persuasion,raised the standard of revolt in 
Connaught and Ulster, and unanimously invited Prince 
Edward Bruce, to assumfe the sovereignty of Ireland. 

To crush the insurrection in its infancy, Edward IL 
despatched Sir John Birmingham, a soldier of fortune, 
to Ireland, with a formidable army. On the arrival of 
this gallant officer in Dublin, he learns that the spirit of 
revolt had diflfused its influence over every quarter of 
the kingdom. He is puzzled how to suppress the kin- 
dling insurrection. In this dilemma, he resolves to offer 
advantageous terms of peace to Phelim O'Neil, then, 
the most powerful of the Irish Princes, and to solicit 
the hand of his daughter, in marriage. Big with the 
hope of accomplishing his purpose, he repairs with a 
splendid retinue to the palace of O'Neil, where his over- 
tures of peace is peremtorily rejected by the Prince, 
and his offer of marriage disdainfully spurned by his 
daughter. Chagrined and disappointed by the result 
A 2 



of his mission, he Is returning to the strong fortress of 
Ardee, in the county of Louth, wheii he meets on hia 
way JBlack .y£rian, a discontented hypocrite, who as-* 
sumed the garb of a hermit, to disguise the turpitude 
of his heart. They concert a plan for carrying off clan-* 
destinely, the Princess from her father's castle. Mean- 
while, O'Neil sets out to a distant district, to chastise a 
refractory vassal chieftain. Black Brian aware of the 
absence of his patron, conducts Birmingham, by a sub- 
terraneous passage, into the castle, and thence to the 
chamber of the Princess, whom they seize and carry 
off to a secret cavern, in a neighbouring forest; surprise, 
grief, and consternation, seize every bosom In the cas- 
tle when the Princess is missed. Her lover, the young 
Prince of Thomond, who had been some time in the 
castle disguised as a minstrel, with all the domestics go 
in search of the captive Princess, and are fortunate 
enough to discover the cavern of her captivity, at the 
very moment that the followers of Birmingham are pre- 
paring to remove her to the castle of Ardee. Black 
Brian attempts to assassinate the Prince of Thomond, 
by whom in the struggle, he Is overpowered and bound, 
and then dragged to the castle a prisoner by the do- 
mestics. 

The Princess discovers the rank of her deliverer. In 
whose favour she was prepossessed, while she thought 
him only a wandering minstrel. The Prince O'Neil re- 
turns victorious, and is enraged and amazed, at the de- 
pravity and deception of Black Brian, whom he senten- 
ces to imprisonment for life; and as the guards are lea- 



ding him off, Birmingham provoked to fury by the her- 
mit's duplicity, encounters him, and after a violent com- 
bat, Brian is killed. Birmingham expresses contrition 
for his conduct, and O'Neil suffers him to return to the 
English Pale;— and the play concludes by the marriage 
of the Prince of ThomoHd, and the Princess Kathleen. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



pHEtTM O'Netl, (Prince of Ulster.) 

Birmingham, (Lord Deputy of Ireland.) 

O'BuiEN, (Prince of Thomond.) 

Black Brian, (A Religious Hypocrite.) 

TuRLOCH More, < Feudal Chiefs, holding Fiefs from 

O'Cahan, ( Phelim. 

O'CoNNOLtT, (Warder of Phelim's Castle.) 

CoRMAC, (His Son.) 

Carrti, (A Falconer.) 

General Mapus, (Commandant of the English Pale.) 

Dermot, (An Old Minstrel.) 

CoNNAL, (The Bard of O'Neil.) 

Lady Kathleen O'Neil, C ^, pence's Dauffhters 
Lady Minona O'Neil, I ^ ^® ^^'"^® ^ uaugniers. 

MoRNA, (Lady Kathleen's Nurse.) 

ESLEN. 



KATHLEEN O'lVEIL; 

OR, 

•5 Picture of Feudal Times in Ireland. 



ACT I.— SCENE I. 

The Parade ground before the fortified Castle of Ardee, 
several English soldiers are see?! on duty, and the Lord 
Deputy and General Mapus appear as if in deep confer- 
ence, the former holding despatches in his hand. 

Birmingham. Alas! Mapus, this is disastrous news, 
our whole army almost annihilated at the fatal battle of 
Bannockburn. Edward's dominion in Scotland, cannot 
be maintained, and I fear that the Irish will now receive 
succours from Bruce, to enable them to shake off our 
authority. 

General Mapus. My Lord ifbehoves us to take every 
precaution to frustrate the designs of Bruce, and sup- 
press revolt I think the majority of the population of 

Leinster is well affected to the King, but in Ulster and 
Connaught, we have but few holds, and should Edward 
Bruce effect a landing either in the North or West, we 
must inevitably evacuate the country. 

Birmingham. I am well aware that we have but few 
friends in Connaught, and Ulster, and that in case Bruce 
carries his ambition so far as to invade this country, he 
will find numerous adherents to join his standard, more 
especially as he boasts of being descended from the 
Milesian Kings of Ireland. But, Mapus, though the 
Irish are fired with their wrongs, and the Scotch flushed 
with the glories of the accursed field of Bannockburn^ 



iO KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

we shall oppose them with a desperation of valour wor- 
thy of Britons, and the devoted subjects of a gallant but 
unfortunate King. Let the insolent victors of Bannock- 
burn come on, and they shall have from us the reception 
which the descendants of the Norman conquerors, are 
in the habit of giving their enemies. 

General Mapiis. My Lord it is true that we are in 
possession of all the fortresses in Leinster; but if your 
Lordship by stratagem or treaty, could obtain some posts 
in Ulster, our power, in this country, would be immove- 
able still — our donynion placed on a rock of invinci- 
bility. 

Birmingham. To effect that measure General, has 
been long the desired object of my wishes — but O'Neil 
is too vigilant to be caught in the toils of stratagem; it 
is by treaty, alone, we must proceed.— Let me, Mapus, 
impart a secret to you; I love to enthusiastic devotion, 
his beautiful daughter the Lady Catharine, to obtain 
whom, in marriage, would render me the happiest of 
men. 

General Mapus. My Lord, as the representative of 
England's Monarch, in Ireland, I think that if you make 
an overture of marriage to O'Neil, he will think himself 
honoured by the proposed alliance. 

Birmingham. I am determined to hazard the trial; 
if I succeed in getting her hand, T will not only reach 
the summit of my hopes, but render an inestimable ser- 
vice to my King. Let me be but the son-in-law of the 
Prince of Ulster, then welcome Edward Bruce, and his 
followers: — they will come as the victims of our ven- 
geance, whom we will offer as a sacrifice to the manes 
of our countrymen, who fell on the fatal field of Ban- 
nockburn. General, I shall set out immediately on this 
embassy of love and policy. 

General Mapus. My Lord shall I order out a strong 
guard to accompany you? 

Birmingham. No, no, there is no occasion for a guard, 
that would show distrust. I shall let O'Neil see that I 
place confidence in his proverbial honour, and thus ren- 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 11 

der myself worlhy'of his friendship. Farewell, Mapus, 
I rely on your caution and vigilance during my absence 
in Ulster. 

General Mapus. I believe that your Lordship has no 
fears on that score — Go (^taking his hand, J and may 
kind fortune accomplish your intentions. [Exewit LM.} 

SCENE IL 

»/2 cotirf yard before O^JYeiPs antique castle, terminated by 
a terraced rampart, adjoining Lough JYeagh* —Music. 

Enter 0' Connolly , Cormac, and Attendants, as if from the 
chase. [B.H.] 

O' Connolly. O me ! what a long and difficult chase 



* LoTJGH Neagh, (which in Irish signifies the healing lake,) 
is the most extensive sheet of water in Europe, if we except 
the lakes of Ladoga and Oneaga, in Russia, and that of Gene- 
va in Switzerland,— it being twenty-five miles long, fifteen 
hroad, and eighty in circumference. 

The space its watery area occupies, in the counties of An- 
trim, Tyrone, Down, Armagh, and Londonderry, has been es- 
timated by a late statistical survey, at 100,000 acres. It spreads 
its ample waves in the centre of Ulster, at the distance of 
eighty-six Irish miles from Dublin, and receives the tributary 
streams of seven rivers, the principal of which are, the Bann, 
the Black Water, Crumlin, Glenavy, and Ballinderry. There 
are several clusters of islands, all clothed with arbutus, and 
a variety of young trees, and flowering shrubs, interspersed 
through this lake of transparent water, which resemble, at a 
distance, gems of emerald set in crystal. 

The shores of Lough Neagh, though not at all possessing 
the romantic or picturesque attributes of Killarney, or Lake 
Erne, are yet ornamented with the beautiful and interesting 
scenery of elegant domains, sylvan isles, and wood-garnished 
head-lands, that would delight the eye, and rouse the genius 
of a landscape painter. 

Lord O'Neil has embellished several of the islands with 
all the grace, effect, and attractions, which the genius of land- 
scape gardening can impart to uncultivated nature. ^ 



12 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

we have had, over moor and mountain? [He seems ex- 
hausted.] 

Cormac. Yes by Jove, father, we have had hot work 
,of it, and the shafts of the Lady Kathleen, seemed di- 
rected by the hand of a Diana; — why she has slain more 
deer to day, than would feed the Augustine monastery 
of Armagh, at Shrovetide. 

0' Connolly. Oh fy! — peace Cormac ! speak reverent- 
ly of sacred things. 

Cormac. I hope you call the appetites of forty hun- 
gry Friars sacred things indeed' Truly, I fear they may 
v/ith more propriety be called profane, as they are so 
carnally set. 

O' Connolly. Cormac, Cormac! thy tongue runs before 
thy wits. Say nothing- of the men of God. 

Cormac. Better my tongue run away from my wits, 
than my wits run away from my tongue. I can tell you, 
father, that these same Friars, can empty a flagon of 
Burgundy, and devour a haunch of venison, as quick as 



After Shane's castle, which stood in all its pillared pride, 
on the N. E. shore of the lake, was accidentally burned, in 
1816, Lord CNeil, erected for his residence, an elegant syl- 
van cottage on Ram Island, which is three miles from the 
village of Crumlin, and two from the shore. Near the cot- 
tage is a majestic round tower, that is still noble in spite of 
the assaults of time, and the decaying influence of ages. 
Several of the lofty turrets,and embattled towers of Shane's cas- 
tle, are still standing like Ossian's cloudy spectres, as if sternly 
frowning over the ruined halls of O'Neil. The cannon which 
were mounted on the fort by John O'lSeil, in 1642, to resist 
the Parliamentary army, are still in fine order. 

When the fire broke out in 1816, which destroyed Shane's 
castle, the house was full of visitors; but every exertion to 
arrest the progress of the devouring element proved unavail- 
ing. 

The eastern coast of the lake is beautified by the domains 
of Massareene, Glendaragh, Longford, Cherry Valley, Green 
Mount, and Gartree Point. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. XB 

other folks. Let them alone sir, for draining glasses, and 
dissecting joints, ha! ha! 

0' Connolly. Truce sirrah! Dare not to speak so ir- 
reverently of the sacred clergy, I think you have taken 
leave of your senses.— Forbear this impiety! 

Cormac. I shall say no more, father, but I can assure 
you that my-five senses were near abandoning me this 
morning — when my horse took flight opposite the her- 
mitage of Black Brian. — I never am lucky any time I 
meet that dark and austere man. — The cry of the Ban- 
shee is not half so awful father as his scowl.* 

0' ConnoUy. Black Brian indeed inspires awe, — but 
the life of this immaculate pilgrim is so virtuous, and 
sanctified, that his benediction confers happiness. 

Cormac. Awe! it goes deeper than awe with me, for 
it excites the sensation of dread, I cannot at all fathom 
this stern anchorite, there hangs a dark cloud of mystery 
on the man; which with all my ingenuity, (and thank my 
stars I have a tolerable stock,) I never have been able 
to penetrate. Then his dark scowling brow, peeping 



* The Banshee, according to popular superstition in Ire- 
land, is a fairy spirit, in the form of an old woman, who is 
supposed to attend as a kind of good genius, every Milesian 
family; and the office which it assigns her, is to predict the 
calamity of death to its members. Her mournful cry, like 
the dirge of despair, is regarded as the sure signal of the ap- 
proaching dissolution of the indisposed person, in whose re- 
sidence the dismal and awful howl is heard. 

She generally takes her station near the house of the devo- 
ted family, about to be visited by the " grim tyrant," and 
there, for three nights before the decease occurs, she mourn- 
fully pours out the most dismal wailings of plaintive wo, in 
the most touching strains, half musical and half moaning, to 
summon the sick person to his or her fate. 

Her song of sorrow, which rings the knell of hope in the 
heart of the indisposed, is peculiar to Irish modulation, so 
soft, affecting and pathetic, as to combine plaintive and heart 
touching melody, w.^th the wildest tones of grief, affliction, 
and passion. 



U KATHLEEN 0*NEIL. 

from under his ampl^ hood, and his sudden appearance 
when he is least exTpected, Cloaks round fearfully, J hea- 
ven knows but he may be at my elbow now; no, bafe for 
once. 

O' Connolly. Hush! Cormac he has a fairy ear — silence, 
—let us not meddle with the man as it might subject us 
to danger;— but I do well the time remember, when he 
first appeared among us, though whence he came, or 
why, no one could ever learn. 1 do not think even the 
Prince is acquainted with his history. 

Cormac. One thing, however, is certain, that I have 
often seen him in the castle, when to obtain entrance, 
he must have crept through tlie key hole; he is certain- 
ly a necromancer whom I fear. 

First Attendant. Why the holy pilgrim could walk 
at the bottom of the lake without being wetted; the 
doors would themselves unbar at the approach of so 
sanctified a man — Oh he is piety itself; his penances are 
edifying, his fasts the theme and dehght of the whole 
country. \ 

Cormac. A newly invented species of delight truly! 
and one in which I have no wislito participate, particu- 
larly as a principal. Give me fat mutton and Ennishowen 
whiskey, and I sliall never envy the pilgrim iiis luxury of 
water cresses, and draughts of limpid springs.-^Believe 
me that fasting is the most grievous privation that a 
young fellow like me could suffer, — flesh and blood 
cannot bear it. 

First Attendant. But see the reward of his pious ab- 
stinence, the fairies and spirits of darkness are subject 
to his povver,and he can foresee what will happen a hun- 
dred years hence, as plainly as I see your face. 

Cormac. I have no ambition to be acquainted with 
the spirits of darkness, but I shall go to the buttery and 
taste some of the gay and enlivening spirit of whiskey, 
and if that does not inspire rne with the gift of prophe- 
cy, it will at least kindle the sparks of hilarity and good 
humour. I am fully satisfied to take things as they come, 
without wishing to dive into the waters of futurity. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 15 

First Attendant. I would not offend that hermit for 
all the territories of our Prince. 

All the Attendants. Nor I, nor I, nor 1, Sec. 
• 0^ Connolly. He is certainly an extraordinary man, 
who has consecrated his life to religion, and works of 
charity, so that we should all speak well of him; but 
ha! who have we here? — 

Enter Prince of Thomond, disguised as a harper, he ap- 
peal's extumsted as if from fatigue, \_L. B.] 

Cormac. Why son of song", you seem to have travelled 
far, but know that the bards are welcome always to the 
hall of O'Neil, here hospitality is enlivened by the voice 
of kindness; but from what part of this fair isle hast thou 
come, good minstrel? 

Thomond. My journey has been long and tedious, 
though cheered by the kind hospitality that distinguish- 
es our country. From where the majestic Shannon min- 
gles with the Western Ocean have I wandered.— During 
my progress I have sometimes fared sumptuously in the 
castle of the chieftain, and pleasurably in the cot of the 
peasant; for the rites of hospitality are as religiously 
observed in the one as in the other. In each the 
stranger is received with a warm welcome, and dismissed 
with a fervent benediction. A few miles hence, I had 
the misfortune of losing my way, and have been stray- 
ing amidst your glen and defiles, unable to get forward, 
until the sound of your hunting horns attracted me hith- 
er, to the castle of the chivalric O'Neil. 

Cormac. Oh Lord! Father, if this is not the same 
harper that diverted us all last Michaelmas, with his tales 
of Fingal and Ossian, and his beautiful songs of the tri- 
umphs of Nial the great: — Yes and it was he that saved 
the Lady Kathleen from being drowned in the boating 
match to Gartree point. 

0' Connolly. I was then absent with our heroic Prince. 

Cormac, And the greater was|yourloss; for his heart 
moving mirth would chase away the tears from the cheek 
cf a Niobe, he has certainly a charp for turning the 



16 KATHLEEN 0»NEIL. 

weeping into the laugliing philosopher; his jokes 
stretched my mouth two inches wider, I laughed so 
much. 

Thomond. Report speaks loudly of the Prince's vir- 
tues. 

Cormac. It does him but justice; Butler and Lacy 
have felt the force of his arm. His virtues are 1 grant 
noble; though now and then a dark cloud of choleric 
passion passes over his aspect. 

0' Connolly. 'Tis his brave and magnanimous spirit, 
that "ever and anon" breaks forth; but where will you 
find his equal? In war a lion, — in peace H lamb; his am- 
ple board ever spread for the succour of the hungry 
wanderer, his sword ever drawn but in the defence of 
the oppressed; his philanthropic bosom, the shrine of 
truth, and his word sacred as the inviolable oath that 
angels have registered in the re'cords of heaven! 

Cormac. Yes father, we have all pretty good reason 
to be convinced of that, for if he should once, even by 
accident, happen to say, " Cormac you must remove this 
castle;'''' as it would be rather cumbersome for one back 
load, be would make me carry it stone by stone, till I 
had lodged it in the bottom of the lake. 

0' Connolly. For shame, Cormac, the good and gal- 
lant Phelim is firm, but his firmness is not the offspring 
of capricious obstinacy, it is the result of cureless sor- 
row; for the loss of his gallant son, who fell in the glo- 
rious battle of Dundalfc, were the Saxons of the pale 
were routed, which has thrown a , veil of melancholy 
over his countenance; but where is perfection to be 
found, if not in Phelim? 

Cormac. In my mind, a great deal more likely to be 
found with the Lady Kathleen, that peerless paragon of 
beauty and benignity; her amiable goodness is the sof- 
tened image of her sire; she is in alabaster, what he is 
in marble, possessing his firmness without his inflexibili- 
ty, — his noble nature without his overbearing pride; — 
he is the oak of the forest fitted to resist the wintry 
tempest; she is the blossom of the peach tree, whose per^ 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. If 

fume breathes upon the vernal breeze and embalms 
every passing- gale. Her sister the Lady MInona is 
also a sweet charming- creature; but then she is so me- 
lancholy since young Mc Dermot's death, in the great 
battle in Scotland, and she sighs so mournfully, and sings 
so sadly, that she chokes my breath, like the fog from 
the lake on a misty morning,— oh Kathleen for me. 

T/iomond. You speak eloquently and warmly on this 
sxibject, }oung man. (Dotv7i ye feelings of a jealous hearty 
aside.) 

O^ Connolly. Minstrel, my son's language is dictated 
by truth, — she is like a beautiful temple which the image 
of the deity inhabits. 

Thomond. She lias, then, doubtless, many suitors? 

0' Connolly. She has indeed, and among them potent 
Princes. 

Thomond. And one is favoured by the lady, of course. 

0' Connolly. It is said, she prefers Prince Edward 
Bruce, who is daily expected at the castle, but it be- 
comes not me to speak of my chieftain's daughter. ' 

Cormac. I should be very sorry if it did not become 
ine, for I am as eloquent on tlie subject as Friar O'Toole, 
■when he preached last lent, against the abomination of 
golden bodkins and red petticoats; but the truth is, 
though Lady Kathleen's eyes have set fire to many a 
warrior's passion, and that the sweet blandishment of 
her smile has fascinated more noble captives, than her 
father took in battle from the ^:ngIish of the Pale, her 
own heart, like the shield of Achilles, is invulnerable, 
and no hero has yet been so fortunate as to impress it 
with the seal of love, C Flourish of Triimpets.J 

0"" Connolly. Hark the Prince is coming this way, — 
peace Cormac, you chatter like a magpie. 

Cormac. But you never father, heard so eloquent a 
magpie before, {march.) 
('From castle, J Enter Phelim, Kathleen^ and JMorna, all 

boxu, — Kathleen smiles benignly — Phelim returns the sa- 
lute toith gracious dignity, — J^usic. — Guards. 

Phelim. So good Warder, how farest thou after the 
<?;hase.^ 

B 2 



18 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

O^ Connolly. Why, well, please your highness; — the 
chase always cheers my spirits, the sound of the horn 
animates my old heart, and brings back to my mind the 
remembrance of the happy days of my youth; — ah! it 
is pleasant to think of the past; but here, my lord, is a 
harper, who has just arrived, and who seeks from your 
highness, the rites of hospitality. 

Kathleen, {Aside.) Ha! as I live, its the minstrel that 
saved my life.— Be still my throbbing heart, — what 
strange, yet pleasing sensations agitate my feelings. 

Phelim. They are granted, the hall of O'Neilwas 
ever the refuge of genius; there the voice of song was 
never silent. Conduct him to the castle Warder, and 
let him receive all the offices of social kindness, and 
cordial attention, they are his right for he is a stranger. 

Kathleen. Oh, sacred, and revered title! 

Phelim. Yes, my dear child, it is the sacred title, 
which heaven has consecrated in the breasts of Irish- 
men,— the wanderer's best assurance of safety, and pro- 
tection, but this minstrel has another claim,— the hal- 
lowed torch of genius has shed its ethereal light around 
him; and never, oh never! may the son of song be de- 
nied shelter under the banner that is emblazoned with 
the harp of Erin, (ffarper bows.) 

Enter Carryl. f i. if.J 

Carryl. I seek your highness:— this moment a mes- 
senger from the chief Lord of the English Pale, an. 
nounces his speedy arrival, his courier say«, that he de- 
mands audience of you, and of the Lady Kathleen. 

Phelim. This visit of the English Lord Deputy is most 
strange, but let him come. 1 will receive him as I did 
his predecessor, De Burgo, with hospitality, pride, and 
politeness.* 

* In 1309, Richard Burke, Earl of Ulster, and then com- 
mander-in-chief ot the army of Edward 11. at the request of 
Piers Gaveston, the then Lord Deputy of Ireland, waited ojti 
Phelim O'Neil, Prince of Ulster, for the purpose of winning' 
him over to the English interest. At the banquet, given in 
honour of the Earl by O'Neil, "more than 1000 persons all 
of rank and noble birth," says Flamming, " surrounded the 
festive table. " 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 19 

Morna. For my part, (aside,) I am very glad another 
great lord is* coming, as it will spring up a breeze of 
cheerfulness, and make some stir in the castle; I always 
preferred high winds to a dead calm of moping melan- 
choly, surely variety is the life of pleasure. Oh! what 
feasting and amusement we will have! •» 

Kathleen. Oh my father, I like not even the name of 
this minion of the tyrannig Edward; report speaks loud- 
ly of his despotism and confiscations in Louth, and other 
parts of Leinster, where the oppressed tremble at the 
tyrant's nod. I must indeed abhor, even as a guest, the 
man whose hands have been imbrued in human blood, 
in the blood of my countrymen. — The laurels he has 
won are blighted by the widow's curse, and the orphan's 
tears. 

Thomond. {Aside.) These are the sentiments of a 
noble and exalted heart, how lovely does woman look, 
when she becomes the advocate of virtue and the as- 
serter of the rights of her native land. 

jyfoima. I'm sure that this great English Lord, who 
has so much power and riches, is a proper match for my 
lady: Do, dear fos'er child, give over your proud airs 
and marry him. (aside to Kathleen.) 

Phelim. My dear Kathleen, hospitality, ever the pro- 
verbial character of the O'Neil, demands that we should 
cordially receive this English chief. But come, Birming- 
ham will soon be here, let us prepare to give him audi- 
ence and entertainment. Warder to your care I com- 
mit the young bard, let him be your guest, and when 
leisure may permit, he shall gladden our souls with the 
soft melodious voice of the Irish harp. 

(Music — Exeunt into the castle. 

Cormac. (Aside,) Now would I give my left hand off 
my body, for permission to drub, in an Irish style, that 
oppressive Saxon with my right. He comes hereon no 
good intent I'll warrant. But the Prince is a fox that 
the Saxons never yet found asleep. (Exit into the castle,) 



20 KATHLEEN O'NEH.. 

SCENE III. 

^n ancient hall in Phelim's castle; banners^ shields, and 
trophies, hung round on the tmlls. — Irish music. — Enter 
Phelim, Kathleen, and Minona; the Prince sits on a 
chair of state, his daughters seat themselves on either side 
of it. Thomond, O^ Connolly, Cormac, Morna, and At- 
tendants, range themselves parallel to the throne, on the 
right and left, — then enter Birmingham and his escort, to 
English miisic. C L. H.J 

Birmingham. Hail to the great O'Neil! Prince of Ul- 
ster — and hail to his lovely daughter, {bo-wing to her,) the 
Lady Kathleen, and to her sister the fair Minona. (They 
return his salute tvith a dignified but cold formality ) 

Phelim. English chieftain welcome! Welcome to 
Ulster'. Welcome to the castle of O'Neill 

Birmingham. Will not the charming Lady Kathleen 
repeat her father's welcome? Her smile would be as a 
sun-beam of joy to my heart. 

Morna. Ay sure, {aside to Lady Kathleen,) if she 
were not so modest, really too much modesty is ridicu- 
lous, when one wants a hiisband, — why his compliment 
has kindled no blush on your cheeks, they are as white 
as the breast of one of the swans on the lake. 

{Kathleen ^notions her to be sileni^. 
Kathleen. You are my father's guest, my Lord, and 
therefore, I greet you with welcome. 

JMorna. My dear child, {aside to Kathleen,) if you in- 
dulge in these lofty airs, you will never come to an nn» 
derstanding. — Do speak kind and loving to him, and he 
will marry you in a minute. Oh! how I long to see the 
Arch Bishop of Armagh, uniting you to this rich Lord. 
If you don't marry I'll die, without seeing a wedding, 
my heart will break. — Oh would that you were as willing 
to wed as 1 am, and you would not be so nice, and hard 
to please. 

Kathleen. Peace, {aside to M.orna,) good nurse, no 
more of this on pain of my displeasure. You presume 
too far madam. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 21 

Birmingham. Then, Lady, it is only because I am 
your father's guest, that you coldly bid me welcome. 

Kathleen. {TViih dignity,) Just so my Lord; with the 
greetings of duty and politeness, I have joined my fa- 
ther in honouring your reception in his castle. 

Binmngham. Your Ladyship is vastly kind, and con- 
descending, in offering me the homage of your duty and 
politeness, but I would supplicate a nobler tribute, {ta- 
king her hand,) this snowy hand, and with it a heart, 
which I prize more than an imperial crown. 

Kathleen. (Withdrarving her hand,) Forbear! my Lord, 
this is a transgression carried beyond the limits of po- 
liteness and hospitality. 

Phelum. My Lord, hospitality, with us, is a sacred 
virtue; and when my daughter bade you welcome, she 
gave you that reception which becomes the daughter of 
O'Neil to offer, and the deputy of a Saxon king to re- 
ceive. To presume farther were ungracious. 

Birmingham. Prince, I like not this cold constrained 
civility. 1 came here actuated with the desire of form- 
ing a matrimonial, and a political alliance with you, but 
I find that I am the slave of beauty, and that I degrade 
myself by soliciting the hand of your daughter, whom I 
cannot help loving, though I have, I perceive, no inter- 
est in her heart. 

Morna. Oh faith! the Saxon is entirely too saucy, 
we have a right to better than he. O dear me, we'll 
have no wedding in the abbey of Crumlin,* Is it not 
provoking? (aside. ) 

Phelim. No chieftain, no man can be degraded, who 
by honourable means, solicits the hand of my daughter, 



* CRrnvtLiN is a small, pleasant village, situated on the pas- 
toral banks of a river of the same name, near the eastei-n mar- 
gin of Lough Neagh, at the distance of eleven miles from 
Belfast, on the Antrim road. The town consists of one prin- 
cipal street, in which there are some good houses. The church 
and the abbey, which were founded by one of the O'Neils, in 
the ninth century,are now,a mouldering heap of ivy clad ruins. 



22 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

and I am sorry that we must decline the honour which 
you intended us. — God forbid that I should impose re- 
straints on my, child's inclinations. 

^Irmin^ham. Have you considered, Prince, my pow- 
er, my dignity, my vast domains, both here, and in En- 
gland? 

PhpUin, I have, my L,ord, and in my consideration 
they are but mere feathers, when weighed witli my 
daughter's happiness; the honours and dignities, which 
Edward has heaped upon you, may add the glitter of 
consequence, to the chieftain, but cannot ennoble the 
man. 

Birminghnm. Consider my Lord, what mutual advan- 
tages we might derive from this union, it would strength- 
en your power, and enable you to repel the Scottish in- 
vaders, in case they attempt a "descent on your shores. 

Phelim. I thank you my Lord, but the sword of Phe- 
Y\xx\>{gr asps the hilt,)can defend his country ,and maintain 
the power which has bean transmitted to him by a long 
race of royal ancestors; and never shall the happiness 
of my child be sacrificed to a political alliance. 

Morna. Well after all, 1 don't think much about this 
English Lord, he is not so pretty a man as Prince Ed- 
ward Bruce; I believe the Scoliish chief, will be my 
Lady's husband after all, {aside to Cormac,) I wish we 
had a wedding at all events. 

Birmingham. (To Minona,) Kind Lady, wilt thou 
plead for me? 

Minona. My Lord, I cannot. — Over my sister's affec- 
tions I have no power, — persuasion cannot impose chains 
on a woman's heart, or divert the current of its inclina- 
tions, which shoiald always emanate from the pure 
source of love. 

Phelim,. True, my Minona, love will not be controll- 
ed; to be lasting it must spring from the fountain of the 
heart. {Minona sighs.) 

Birmingham. But Prince, you have no male issue, — 
should death deprive her of you, who will then guard 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 53 

the inheritance of your dsLUghlersl^Minona violently agU 
tated Kathleen supports her.) 

Phelim. {With emotion,) English chieftain! thou did'st 
ill to remind me of n\y son; yet the remembrance though 
sad, is not unpleasing-. — Oh my child, ('iveeps,J — he 
died bravely fighting against the invaders, — ay the En- 
glish invaders, my Lord, of his country;— the tears of 
that country have bedewed his ashes, the harp has con- 
signed his name to immortal glory, and his exploits on 
the sanguinary field of Dundalk, are emblazoned by the 
historic muse on Erin's annals.* Heaven that devoted 
him to his country's service, will protect my children. 

Minona. {Bursting into tears,) O, yes, it will!- — and 
may the virtues of the departed hover round us like 
guardian seraphs. 

Kathleen. My beloved sister ! calm thy agitated mind? 
even for my sake be tranquil. Let thy spirits float on 
the bright emanation of fortitude. 

JHinona. For thee, (aside to Kathleen, emhracing her,) 
my Kathleen! I could lay down my life; to promote your 
happiness is the goal of my wishes; but as to this wretch- 
ed heart it shall never be ilkiminated with a beam of 
joy, — its hopes are buried in Dermot's tomb, — it cannot 
have another spring of felicity. 



* DuNDAXK, the capital of the county of Louth, is a large 
and opulent sea port town, situated in a recess of the most 
spacious bay on the north-east coast of Ireland, at the distance 
o-f fort^-on'^ Irish miles from Dublin. It is a very commer- 
cial town, and its exports and imports are extensive. Il con- 
tains several wide and finely built streets, and contains a po- 
palatibn of 12,000 souls. There are some superb public 
buildings here, particularly the court house, barracks, church, 
infirmary, and market house. It has been t,he scene of great 
and memorable events of which we will give an account ia 
our History of Ireland. 

Phelim O'Neil's son, was killed here in 1290, while victo- 
riously pursuing the shattered English army, under Sir Wil 
Uam Vesey, Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. 



24 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

Birmingham, Will not the lovely Kathleen herself, 
declare her sentiments? 

Kathleen. My Lord, the sentiments of my father are 
mine: deem me not ungrateful for your preference; re- 
spect for my father, who deigned to answer for me, has 
hitherto sealed my lips: but since you appeal to me, I 
must frankly tell you, that his will is mine. 

Birmingham. So haughty too! Proud girl! Were you 
sole Princess of Ireland, you could not assume more su- 
percilious arrogance; but you carry your pride too lofti- 
ly. — You may repent erelong; — and your country too, 
may have cause to deplore your conduct. 

Morna. Not too lofty, overbearing Lord, for the 
royal race she springs from, and were it not for treason, 
she would be by blood-right the royal Princess of this 
green isle. — Know that Saxon Lord and blush. ^sAe 
-walks about in a great passion. J 

Kathleen. What! Edward's deputy! do you presume 
to threaten me, — am I denied the common privilege of 
my sex — the right of refusing him I cannot love? Know 
then proud Lord, what courtesy would have concealed, 
—that I would not, to be Empress of the world, accept 
your hand; — no ! though instant death awaited my re- 
jection of it! As to my country, my dear^ but oppressed 
Erin! could the immolation of my life on the sacred al- 
tar of patriotism bring her back liberty and indepen- 
dence, I should go, like Iphigenia, exulting to the sacri- 
fice. My heart is warmed by the blood of the heroic 
brave, and were I to refuse to offer the last drop of that 
blood at the shrine of Irish freedom, I would prove my- 
self a degenerate daughter of illustrious ancestors. 

Birmingham, f With a sarcastic smile. J What a Mi- 
lesian spirit animates the soul of the gentle Lady Kath- 
leen! Why Lady you will become the Iberian Zenobia 
of Erin. 

Kathleen. Chieftain, ftvith conscious dignity, J hnow 
that I am the daughter of O'Neii, the son of a host of 
Milesian kings! Your irony is ungracious and unbeco- 
ming sir! 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 25 

Phelim. And nobly worthy of thy chivalrlc sires; my 
Lord, your words are insolent, you must desist, or eJse, 
{laying his hand on his stvorcL) 

Birmingham. Prince I will not, T do not comprehend 
this romantic folly, which you call deUcacy; born in the 
camp amidst the storms of battle, my nature is too well 
accustomed to the tempest, to dread the momentary 
whirlwind of a girl's puerile petulance. 

Morna, I would I were a man, — oh, for Fingal's arm 
— to teach you manners; this is not the way you rude 
Saxon, our'lrish ladies are spoken to by their suitors. — 
Remember you are in the company of your betters. 

Birmingham, f Contemptuously. J I parley not with 
thee, old noisy witch. 

Phelim. Lord Birmingham, you are my guest,* or 
you should learn to dread a provoked father's sword; but 
none, who have so grossly insulted my child, can remain 
under my roof: — depart in peace— your progress to the 
next of your fortresses shall not be interrupted; go 



* The rites of hospitality amongst the Irish, in all ages, 
were deemed sacred. The Brehon laws ordained, that any 
one who insulted, or betrayed his guest, should be declared 
infamous. 

It was considered the most disgraceful and dishonourable 
crime, for the host or the guest, to give any information to an 
enemy of one another. The mutual participation of the feast 
was by them deemed as the inviolable pledge of /riendship, 
safe sanctuary, and honour. To exemplify this by a histori- 
cal instance, we will narrate an event that occurred in the 
eleventh century. A diiFerence having then occurred at Don- 
negaljbetweentheO'Donnel's and the Maguire's of Fermenagh, 
■which they i-esolved to decide by the sword. Some of the 
followers of O'Donnel, disguised as spies, procured admis- 
sion into Maguire's camp, and were invited by the guards to 
share iheir supper, which they courteously refused; for, were 
they to accept such an invitation, they would have formed a 
friendship with their enemy, which in honoui-, they could 
not violate by conveying any intelligence of Maguire's force 
and position to theu^ chieftain, 
c 



26 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

hence, and when next you assume the character of a 
wooer, remember, that the heart of a high born female, 
is a prize which must be sued for, not demanded. 

Birmingham. Proud iiaughty man! yes, I will go, but 
remember the army I have at my back, and that none 
ever yet offended me with impunity. — Remember too, 
that a noble heart spurned, has but one path to follow — 
vengeance.— My next visit shall be a visitation. fExii 
with train. L. H.J 

Minona, Thank heaven the insolent and boisterous 
chief is gone. 

Morna. Amen! what an impudent bully he is, and 
he had the cruelty to call me old, (looks in the glass,) I 
think the roses and lillies of my cheeks are as fresh and 
blooming as ever— Old indeed! the surly English dog, 
why should he say so? (aside.) 

JfCathleen. My dear father, f tremble! wounded pi'ide 
and female delicacy supported me while in his presence, 
that stimulus withdrawn, 1 sink into all the timidity of 
my sex. Perhaps I was too lofty in my answers. — Ohl 
if my foolish pride should involve my father in danger 
and difficulty! 

Phelim. Despise his threats— rdispel your fears; — this 
arm and the devotion of my people, will guard us from 
his attacks. 

Morna. Despise them, Lady! — ay froni the bottom 
of your soul, — hate the rough bear, who never has a 
word of flattery for the ear of a woman. ^By my faith, 
if he always makes love in this fashion, I would rather 
be married to a fusty old bachelor of half a hundred, 
than to such a roaring, blustering sea-horse. The wretch 
to tell a Woman of sweet twenty-five, that she was oldf 
{struts with an air of gaiety over the stage.) [Exit, 

Phelim. Be still my child; t!iou didst acquit tiiyself 
as became the daughter of kings. — Insulting man! had 
he dared to breathe such language in any place but this 
— I would have written with my sword, his confusiort 
on his heart! but calm this agitation, and banish the re- 
collection of this turbulent chieftain. Let the stranger 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 27 

mnstrel approach, and strike the melodious strings of 
the harp to that most patriotic and enlivening ait, Pa- 
trick's day; and do tliou my Kathleen, let the light of 
the smiles of serenity brig-hten your countenance, like 
the sun beam smootliing the surface of the lake when 
the storm is departed. 

Enter Harper^ fL. H J music, Patrick's day; he viexvs 
Lady Kathleen -with a look of interest and respect. 

Enter Carry I. (L. H.) 

Carry!. My Lord, a stranger demands admittance to 
your presence. 

Kathleen. Oh, my father! 'tis an Emissary of that ty- 
rant Birmingham, that claims audience! 

Phelim, My child, be not thus alarmed; none dare 
approach this castle with hostile intentions; besides our 
guards, and honest vassals surround us, so that no dan- 
ger can be apprehended.— Carry 1 conduct the stranger 
to my presence. But my children retire, lest any new 
surprise should overwhelm yonr exhausted spirits. 

Kathleen. We go; but may heaven protect our father! 
[Exeunt Kathleen and Minona. 

Enter O' Cahan. (i. H.^ 
O'Cahan, {Kneeling.) Prince, — Superior Lord,— I 
come to demand your justice, to claim your protection, 
and to crave redress for my wrongs.* 



* nfhe O'Neils, forages, claimed tribute and military ser- 
vice, as their tanists or vassals, from the Septs of Magennis, 
Maguire, O'Reilly, O'Hanlon, McCartan, Dunlevy, Mc Ken- 
na, MacDounel O'Cahan, and Mac Brieiis. When the cele- 
brated hero John O'Neil, in 1562, repaired as an inde])en(lent 
Prince, to the court of Queen Elizabeth, in pursuance of a 
treaty with the Lord Deputy Sussex, he was attended by a 
strong guard of these tributary chieftains, whom he styled 
" Galloiv Glasses." Their dress and arms were so gorgeous 
and brilliant, that crowds of the citizens of London followed 



28 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

Phelim. Rise O'Calian, and declare your errand? Who 
has wronged thee? speak. 

O'Cahan. My Lord, it is known to you, that I dis- 
tinguished myself, under your banner, in several martial 
conflicts. _ Arms have been my profession from my boy- 
ish days; but on my return lately, from the camp, I found 
the house of my fathers in ashes, my brother murdered, 
and his possessions bestowed upon another!!! {He pauses 
from excessive emotion.') 

Phelim, Why did you not O'Cahan, invoke the aid of 
Turloch More, your immediate Lord. 

O' Gahan. Ah! my Lord, shall the dove seek redress 
from the hawk? shall the lamb fly to the ravenous wolf 
for protection. — He it is who has thus devastated, what, 
as a vassal Lord subject to you, he should have shielded 
with his life. 

Phelim. Could Turloch More act thus cruelly, and 
oppressively? 

0' Cahan. Even so, my Lord, I call angels to witness 
that I declare the truth. 

Phelim. Then, thou shalt have vengeance! Soon 
shall retributive justice punish his crimes, and if he do 
not surrender his castle on my first summons, I swear, 
by the soul of Nial the Great! I shall wrap it in flames 
— and drive him from Ulster as an outcast! 

O'Cahan. My Prince, even now he shelters himself 
beneath the roof of his infant nephew's castle, at Kan- 
dalstown, a few miles lience; in half an hour your high- 
ness can reach it.* 



them as they marched to and from the Queen's palace. The 
colossal stature of O'Neil, his rich trappings, splendid armour, 
as well as the beauty of his magnificently caparisoned war 
horse, which was as white as snow, astonished the English 
nobility. 

* Raudalstowjst, is a neat and prosperous village situated 
on the Floral banks of the river Maine, at tlie distance of 
twenty-one miles from Belfast, and two eastward of Shane's 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. S§ 

Phelim. On then, and ere the sun sinks in his couch 
ofclouds, this sword shall expel the oppressor, and re- 
store thy fortunes.— Carryl order out my war horse in- 
stantly. 

Ciirryl. Yes, please your highness. {Exit Carryl) 
Black Bnnn, tvho has glided uvperceived, into the hall du- 
ring the foregoing conference^ suddenly throiving off his 
hood, and rnshing fortvard. — JHitsic. 
Jill. The Hermit, Black Brian!!! 

Black Brian. Princely chieftain, beware! dearly wilt 
thou rue the act thou dost meditate: even now (peals of 
thunder heard,) the thunders of heaven have begun to 
roll — the dark cloud bursts upon thy head — the light- 
nings shall strike thee to the ground; lo! thy hand is 
bathed in blood— thy fate is fixed, if you go forth, all 
that Rwaitsthee I have seen in a prophetic vision. Prince 
the sword is uplifted to smite thee, — desist! desist! dare 
not the wratli of heaven! 

Jhiring this exhortation, the countenance of the attendants 
express the various passi07is of fear, horror, and surprise 
— the Prince alone steadily gazes on his hand, still uplifts 
edtvith his srvord, as if anxious to examine^ -whether it 
were really bleeding. 

Enter Carryl (R. ff.) 
Carryl. My Lord your stately war horse is ready ca- 



castle. The picturesque banks of Lough Neagh, and the 
sylvan scenery of Massarene, Muckamore abbey, Shane's 
castle, and the long reach of Mr. Cbaine's bleach greens, im- 
part landscape attractions, and scenic interest to Randalstown 
that tew towns in the county of Antrim can boast of. 

Before the Union, this town was a borough, in the patro- 
nage of Lord O'Neil, which had the privilege of retui-ning 
two members to Parliament. The Protestant church, Pres- 
byterian meeting-house, bairacks, and market house, are re- 
spectHlde buildings. There is a fine linen market held the 
first Wednesday of every month, in Randalstown. Here the 
finest shirting that is exported to London is sold. The 
county Antrim women can spin thread to the fineness and 
tenuity of the silken hairs of the Gossamer. 
C 2 



30 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

parisoned, and he is so mettlesome that two grooms can 
scarcely hold him. 

Pheliin. And Brian, if I should fall, will it not be glo- 
rious even to fall in the cause of suffering" innocence, 
like many of my gallant ancestors, under the banner of 
justice and liberty. Retire, Brian to your cell, and pray 
for my success; but never for a moment, suppose that a 
warrior has that wavering benighted mind, which would 
deter him in consequence of thy idle nursery tale of 
superstition, from performing an act of virtue — the chas- 
tisement of oppression. 

Black Brian. Chieftain, beware! thou art but a mor- 
tal; I again warn thee: slight not I conjure thee, the ad- 
vice of him who is permitted to look into the mirror of 
futurity.— Heaven vouchsafes protection to thee, and do 
not be so impious as to spurn it. If thou dost th^'^fate 
is death! 

Phelim. Heaven never yet declared against the un- 
fortunate:— to succour him that the Strong hand of des- 
potism would crush, is the commission heaven delegates 
to its chosen ministers, and never did a purer offering 
grace its altar, than when the patriotic heart bleeds in 
defence of the liberties of our country, and of the rights 
of humanity. Away Brian! tell thy puerile tales to the 
babes of the nursery, and foolish old women, they pain 
the warriors ear and disgust his mind. Soon shall I 
punish Turloch, and make him feel the power of his 
chief Prince. — My brave followers are ready, — I go 
where honour and justice call upon me to attend. 

[^Flourish of music, all exit (except Black Brian.) JR. H. 

Black Brian. fJfter a pause.J If he depart, I am 
lost! my plans not yet matured, my schemes not concer- 
ted with my accomplices; for execution in the bud de- 
stroyed, must die away like the snow drop, whose stem 
is brokfen in the hail storm.— Undaunted Phelim's mind 
is strong, illuminated, and powerful; nor heeds he aught 
which could subdue a less exalted soul; — the night mare 
of superstition can never press his daring courage, nor 
conjure up a phantom to shake bis resolution.— But I 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 31 

will after him— some fortunate, chance may fall to speed 
me onward, in my destined course. [Exit JR. If. 

Enter soldiers ancLvassals, armed toith spears, a standard 

bearer carrying Pheliin's ensign, a green banner, on xvJdch 

the Irish harp is emblazoned. 

First Vassal. Thl^ is a sudden march — my poor wife 
I have left in labour with her twelfth child, ah! Patrick, 
I fear that coming little innocent will never see its poor 
father. But honour and duty call me to arms. 

Second Vassal. My case is as bad as yours, I was only 
married last week, and I am forced by the Prince to 
leave my youthful bride, ere I have partaken of half the 
good cheer and whiskey left after my wedding, — oh! 
my dear Judy, I would much rather have remained at 
home, to enjoy thy love, and my comfortable fire side. 

First Vassal. No matter what you would rather do; 
in this case duty supersedes inclination, and deprives you 
of the power of /ree will, so that you must do your duty, 
as the Prince js not to be trifled with. But the trumpet 
calls us — let us march to death or glory. 

[Music, grand march. 

JYoise -without, fa fiourish^J Re-enter PheUm and Attend- 
ants, the Ladies Kathleen, Minona, and Morna, {L.H.) 
ihe countenances of the ladies express terror and alarm. 
Kathleen. My father^ oh! my dearest parent! are you 
hurtj-^what has happened? 

Phelim. No my children, it was but a trifling' acci- 
dent. 

0'' Connolly. I never saw that noble steed plunge be- 
fore, and many a hot and terrible field he has borne your 
highness through. 

Phelim. Yes, O'Connolly, he has been long rny faith- 
ful servant; for whicfi cause, one fault shall "not eflTace 
from my mind the remembrance of his past fidelity. 

Morna. By the mother of Saint Patrick! he made 
such a plunge, that he almost kicked my brains out. 
Cormac. By the ghost of Ossian! {aside) he had some 



53 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

merit in being so near openin.^ a mine of which we 
never heard of before — for she has no more brains than 
a beetle. (Black Bnaii suddenly appears from behind.) 
Black Brian. Prince art thou now convinced of thy 
iin.a:overnable rashness; of thy stubborn increchihty? 

PheVm. Is it because, Brian, that my horse flun.i^ up 
his heels, that I should .c^ive implicit credence to thy 
superstitious vagaries; I'll hear no more of them. For- 
bear the obtrusion of such ridiculous nonsense! O'Con- 
noUy have my steed led out again. [Exit O' ConnoUy. 
Black Brian. Prince, thy reasonings are useless and 
futile — Heaven has manifestly declared against thy pur- 
pose: again I warn thee to dread its avenging power! 

Phelivi. Brian, I dread nothing, but the failing in my 
duty — Heaven, that planted me here, as a majestic oak 
upon the mountain, bade me s\^elter the plants that 
grew beneath my shade; shall I then expose them to 
the withering blast of the desert? Power and station 
were never delegated to man, but for the general good; 
and it is only to preserve the laws of freedom, and social 
order, that one man is made greater than ai>other, I vi^ill 
now proceed. 

Mhiona. Sublime moralist! how like the hon'i«jd dew 
is the soft flow of thy eloquence! 

Morna. He's very sublime to be sure,-but it's just 
as good to sleep in a whole skin; your heroes' bones ave 
as brittle as other people's, and I never heard that glory 
was of any use, in stopping blood. 

Black Brian. Will not even the entreaties of the 
Lady Kathleen avail? 

Kathleen. Brian, they will not be exerted on this oc- 
casion; my father's life is dear to me — heaven knows 
how dear! but even his life is less precious to me than 
his honour, that virtue which was always the guiding 
star of his life; shall then my weakness enfeeble his 
strength; am T so poor in the pride of an O'Neil, as to 
sully that fame which sheds its lustre even on me? never! 
—my heart, I know shall bleed at every pore until the 
moment of his return, but at least I will evince the he- 
roic virtue that becomes his daughter. 



KATHLEEN O'l^JElL. 33 

T/iomond. Exalted woman! (aside,) your soul is the 
throne of maE^nanimity. 

Phelhn. Thou dear and precious treasure! (embr^a- 
cing her,) possessing thee, how poor does every object 
seem! O'Connolly, to you and Cormac, I commit 
the <jare of these sacred {taking Mriona's hand,) depo- 
sits: Carryl too, shall remain with you, and from your 
fidelity and care, I expect every thing, — O'Cahan, come 
— come that I may fulfil my promise — that 1 may verify- 
that word which never yet, was broken. — Farewell mv 
children! [Flourish, exit -with 0' Cahan, 

\_As the Ladies are retiring pensively to the bach of the 
stage Cormac approaches. 

Cormac. fBoiving respectfully .J Ladies, now that 
the chieftain is gone to a new triumph, will you permit 
the minstrel to exert his skill — the gay strains of his 
harp will chase away your grief, and divert your 
thoughts? 

Kathleen. He may approach Cormac, but let him not 
attempt a lively strain, as our minds, {taking Jllinona's 
hand,) would now rather luxuriate in the "joy of grief,^' 
than in the music of mirth; — lively airs are not conso- 
nant to the present sad state of our feelings. 

Minona. Oh sister! you know our father always 
comes home victorious from battle, — then let us not re-, 
strict the genius of the bard — let it soar through its own 
native ether, bold as the towering eagle when he wings 
bis flight from the peaks of the Donard mountain,* and 
challenges the noon-tide sun. 

[Cortnac places chairs, tvhich Kathleen andJ\Iinona 
occupy. 



* St. Doxard's Moujs^TAiJf, so called from Donard, a dis- 
ciple of St. Patrick, having built on its summit a chapel and 
oratory, in the fifth century. This mountain, ',vhich towers 
to the elevation of 3150 feet above the level of the sea,appears 
like the conical spire of the whole range of the Mourne raoun- 



34 KATHLEEN O'NEII,^ 

Thomond. {Coming for-ward.) Ladles, I wait the mo» 
ment of inspiration— I wait to catch the voices of celes- 
tial spirits, as they float around upon the trembling' air; 
(seats himself.) oil! now for the inspiration, and ihe ma- 
gic fing-ers of an Ossian, to awaken enchanting- melody 
to charm her! (aside.) [Sings to his harp, Irishmnsic. 

Kathleen. (Aside.) Surely love breathes in his notes 
of Uansport, wliat magic does this unknown bard poS' 
sess; — oil! I coidd listen, until my raptured soul had 
breathed away her senses. 'I'here is a spell in his affec- 
iincT strain. I thank ihee (olovd.) minstrel! thou hast 
indeed calmed my spirits: — I will now retire, that I may 
pray for the safety of my father, for devotion alone, can 
sooth the acute sorrow of a daughter, for the absence 
of her only parent. Even the charms of rnusic cannot 
dispel these clouds of anxiety that hang- upon my mind- 
Oh! why has this harper such prepossessing* attractions; 
•why has he excited a new and strange passion in my 
bosom? but alas! he is of plebian blood — that must sup- 
press every tender feeling which he has awakened. 

(aside 

JVIinona. f Sighing-. J I too will seek my chamber, 
for this plaintive strain has touched the sensibility of my 

tains, in the county of Down. Mr. Hardy, the author of the 
book entit)p(l the "Northern Tourist," says, " Slieve Do- 
Bard, is indisputably the highest of the whole ridge of moun- 
tains which extends from Rostrevor to New Castle, (a distance 
of 20 miles,) viewed from which last place', an eminence on 
the side of it interrupts the sight of its. top; but it appears 
like a huge cone, and a vast buttress to all the rest, from the 
adjacent parts. 

ijn the summit are two rude edifices, one a huge heap of 
stones, piled up in a pyramidicHl figure, in which are formed 
several cavities; in these the devotees sheltered themselves in 
bad weather, while th^y heard mass; and in the centre of this 
heap is a cave, formed by broad flat stones, so disposed as .to 
support each other without cement.'' New Castle, standin.^ 
on a cape, extending in a westerly direction into St. George's 
ehannel, is seventy-five miles N. E, from Dublin, 



KA.THLEEN O'NEIL. 35 

soul, and roused emotions and endearing* associations in 
my agonized mind, of a sadly pleasing- remembrance! 

Kathlee7i. Come with me my dear sister. Surely you 
"will not conceal the cause of your an.q-nish from me? 

[They retir.-. apart. 

Mmona. No dearest Kathleen, but my sorrows would 
be too heavy a burden on your sympathy— Oh! could I 
but reveal! 

Kathleen, What sweet Minona? 

Mmona. Nothing, kind sister! 

Kathleen. Sometliing, my beloved sisterf preys upon 
your feelings, and depresses your spirits. — Will you not 
let me participate in your affliction, that I may affection- 
ately endeavour to alleviate and sooth it? 

JMinona, Question me no more, kind Kathleen! were 
1 permitted to break the inviolable seal, and unfold to 
you the envelope in which the secrets of my heart are 
recorded, thou only shouldst partake of them; but si- 
lence has iruirned them in this care-worn breast. — Let 
us away sister. [Exeunt L. H. 

Thomond. What a soul does this Lady Kathleen pos- 
sess! no wonder she has so many suitors, (sighs,) the 
happy man that is destined to be her husband, will en- 
joy supreme happiness indeed. 

Cor-iiiac. Bless my heart, when did you find that out? 
her beauty, affability, and grace are like sunshine, visi- 
ble to every one th.at has eyes. She bestowed a very 
gracious smile upon you, harperjOf which favour a Prince 
might well be proud. 

Thomond. I was afraid to look at her Cormac,^ but 

you jest, she did not smile. 

Cormac. I have told tiie truth, — I have served her 
father since her birth, a period of sixteen years, and she 
never gave me so kind a glance I assure you. 

Thomond, Lovely woman! how I adore her, (aside^) 
Ah! Cormac, I was unconscious of her smiles, as my 
eyes were not gladdened by the blue ray of her glance, 
{aside,) I must retire for on this subject I cannot trust 
myself. Farewell Cormac. [Exitt 



36 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

Enter 0'^ Connolly, tvith keys. 
0'^ Connolly. Now since the chieftain has confided to 
us the care of his castle, let us be attentive to our trust. 
Let us see that all is safe in watch and ward. — Go Cor- 
mac, and see if the sentinels are on their posts, and 
cause the portcullis to be let down. {Exit Cor: O'C, call- 
ing at the door.) Carryl do you examine if all is safe in 
the interior of the castle — while I shall take a peep over 
the battlements, lest any stragglers should be abroad. 
Patrick O'Connolly is too knowing a warder to be taken 
by surprise, either by the devil or the necromancies of 
Black Brian— but bless me! its dangerous even to men- 
tion his name. [Exit. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 37 



ACT II.— SCENE I. 

»/? ForeU near the castle of O'JWl, the turrets of ichich art 
seen through a vista. — Enter Birmingham and folloivers^ 
{L.H.) 

Birmingham. What, I the vicegerent of Ireland! 
spurned, rejected, become the scorn of a woman! I that 
won such honour, an"d renown in France, Wales, and 
Scotland, under the first Edward, to be thought unwor- 
thy of the alliance of a petty Irish Prince! tortures and 
death what are you to my feelings? why did my usual 
fortitude forsake me? — I ought to have continued at the 
castle, — I should have dared O'Neil to a single combat, 
and then the lovely Kathleen had been my prize. Curse 
on my coward flight! 

Follower. You did not fly my Lord, it was only a re- 
treat; and that is what Edward our sovereign, himself, 
has been compelled by the fierce Scots to do; but what 
does your Lordship now purpose? 

Birmingham. _ Here will I lurk, amidst these winding 
glens: she cannot still remain secluded in the castle, let 
her once step beyond its precincts, and love, bliss, rap^ 
ture — and dearer than all, revenge, will then be mine! 

[Exeunt R.ff, 

Enter Black Brian, w a musing nio{)d. (R. B.) 
Black Brian. The die is cast, — my fate hastens to a 
crisis; I must abide the chance, "and stand, or fall with 
the catastrophe of my plot. — Turloch is brave, nay rash; 
he will fight valiantly, (re-enter Birmingham, stops on per- 
ceiving Black Brian.) But can I pardon Pkelim's insults 
past ? Three days imprisonment in dungeons drear? 
^is daughter too, the sole impediment. (Pause.) I was 
not always thus; there was a time when I coultj fee^ 
1) 



38 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

compassion and regret, and the impulse of honour; but 
now, (Birmingham comes forward, and Black Brian turns 
suddenly around,) What would'st thou, stranger? Whom 
do you seek? 

Birmingham. Just such a man as thou art. 
Black Brian. Stranger, thou know'st me not, whence 
this presuming familiarity? You speak sir with as much 
freedom as if we were old acquaintance!?. 

Birmingham. Good hermit, 1 have heard enough to 
convince me that O'Neii has injured, nay worse, insult- 
ed you, and that you have cause to be discontented both 
with him and his daughter. I too,cherish a just resent- 
ment against the proud Prince, and I have been slighted 
by his supercilious daughter, therefore, our wrongs 
should unite us in sympathy, so as to devise means to 
avenge them.— Assist me in carrying off the Lady Kath- 
leen and name your reward. 

Black Brian. The Prince indeed ere his departure — 
Birmingham, Departure! sayest thou? Is Phelim ab- 
sent? 

Black Brian. Yes, he is gone to chastise one of his 
vassal Lords, who resides some miles hence. 

Birmingham. At length fortune thou art about to be 
propitious; thou, kind divinity ! hast opened a pathway 
to revenge. This, then good pilgrim, is the decisive 
moment in which 1 and my brave followers, will storm 
the castle, and bear away the beautiful, weeping victim 
to the English pale. 

Black Brian. C Contemptuously. ) Storm the castle In- 
deed! man how thou talkest! as well might thou attempt 
to bear away the huge pillars of the Giant's Causeway, 
as the Lady Kathleen, and as to force the castle, now 
guarded by chosen followers, it defies thy power,backed 
. by all the English of the pale. 

Birmingham, Ah! pilgrim, you have crushed my ri- 
sing hopes — what then is to be done?— Speak to me my 
friend, I am the English Lord Deputy, and honours and 
emoluments are in my gift, assist me and I shall reward 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 39 

thee to thy utmost wishes. Should the Lady Kathleen 
walk this way cannot we seize her? 

JB/acfc Brian. But she will not walk this way, she or 
her sister, seldom leaves the castle when their father is 
absent. 

Birmingham. Death and confusion, why do you thus 
thwart and torture me! How then shall we proceed? 

Black Brian. That, T alone can tell.— 

Birmingham. Tell it then my friend, and I will bestow 
upon you the Lordship of Carlingford,* and obtain from 
King Edward a patent of nobility for you. 

Black Brian. Titles and possessions, sir, are in my es- 
timation but secondary objects, — revenge is the darling 
and ruling passion of my heart; to satiate that is the goal 
of my hopes — the summit of my wishes; and here let 
me impart to you the means of attaining it: — There is a 



* CAEinTGroBD, once a place of note and of feudal and 
ecclesiastical architecture, is situated near the foot of a lofty 
and extensive range of mountains, on the south east side of 
a spacious bay in the county of Louth. This town being sta- 
tioned on the' north east frontier of the English pale, King 
John, during his residence in Ireland, deeming it a pass of 
importance, caused it to be fortified with castles, walls, and 
towers. In the fourteenth century, the entire domestic build- 
ings of the Tillage, presented a collection of small castles. 
All its fortresses were demolished by Lord Inchiquin, in 1649. 
The town is now only inhabited by a fe>v fisherman, and is 
hastening rapidly to decay. The ruins of King John's castle 
still remain standing on a solid rock, whose sides are laved 
by the sea. The walls of this castle were eleven feet thick. 
The rem.ains of the magnificent abbey, founded by Burke, 
Earl of Ulster, in 1305, are majestic and picturesque, exhibi- 
ting fine relics of architecture and sculpture. This place is 
famous for producing, in vast profusion, the finest and most 
deliciously flavoured oysters in Ireland. Immense quantities 
of them are annually consumed in London and Dublin. Car- 
lingford, which is distant fifty-theee miles from Dublin, for- 
merly gave the title of Earl to the Taafe family. In 1738, 
the Carpenter family were invested with that title. 



40 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

secret entrance to the castle,4inknown to all except my- 
self; through this I will conduct you to the apartment of 
X.ady Kathleen: — But we must be prompt, on our way 
we will talk further on a noble enterprise that en- 
grosses my whole mind and feelings. 

Birmingham. Thank you, a thousand times, (shaking 
his hand,) shall I bring my followers in with us? 

Mack Brian. Yes, certainly, in case of surprise they 
-will be necessary.— We must proceed with silence and 
caution, as old O'Connolly, the Warder, is as sleepless 
and watchful, as the dragon that guarded the Hesperian 
fruit. [Exeunt JR. II. with followers. 

SCENE n. 

The TVarder*s room in the tower^over the grand portal of the 
castle, — a large grated door appears in the back ground— ^ 
Cormac with his head resting on a table, sleeping. — Enter 
O' Connolly, (L. H.) carrying a torch in one hand, and a 
tunch of keys in the other, 

O^ Connolly. (Laying the keys on the table and tapping 
Cormac's shoulder.) Holla! Cormac! V/hy if this is the 
way you keep watch and ward, an enemy might scale 
the walls, and sack the castle unknown to yon, for shame 
man, arouse! and go out and breathe the fresh air on 
the parapet. 

Cormac. C Yawning. J Oh fatherlyou dissolved the 
illusions of the most delightful dream imaginable. 

0' Connolly. I suppose Ellen Flynn, for whom, I hear 
you have a hankering, was the heroine of your vision. 

Cormac. In truth she was, father, and I will not dis- 
guise from you my affection for her. 

O'Connolly. Ellen Flynn is a good girl. 

Cormac. And is she not a pretty girl father? 

O* Connolly. Why yes; but remember my son, that 
virtue is the pure diamond,— beauty is only the setting 
of it. 

Cormac. Well I must own, it sets off virtue wonder, 
fully, a fine speech, is always finer from rosy lips; and 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 41 

even the o])en and bountiful hand of charity is improved 
by being- white, 

0' Connolly. The eyeof compassion is always brilhant, 
nor does ag-e wrinkle the cheek that is flushed with the 
expression of benevolence. 

Ccrmac. Faith father, I believe you are^ right; and to 
prove that I think you have spoken like a sage, if you 
will give your consent, I will marry Ellen; and we shall 
live, I hope to admire each other's wrinkles, and make 
mutual love verses on our grey hairs. 

O' Connolly, Thou hast it boy: Ellen makes a dutiful 
and amiable daughter, and therefore, will make a good 
wife. But have you spoken to the maiden? 

Cormac. Why father, I have not yet popped the ques- 
tion, but I think she has read my thoughts in my eyes, 
as love generally looks into them, for the index of the 
heart. I have slyly hinted to her what happiness is to 
be enjoyed in a cottage, when lovers like the happy 
Arcadians of whom we read such fine things, exchange 
endearments in bowers of woodbine, and honey suckle, 
while birds sing, and sporting lambs gambol, and she 
seemed pleased with the picture, sir. 

O' Connolly. Well, my boy, speak to her as soon as 
you will, and I am ready to give y ou my blessing, and 
the means of securing love in a cottage, by preventing 
the intrusion of poverty. — But the day will soon dawn, 
I will go and see that alll is safe in the castle. 

[Exit 0' Connolly, L. H. 

Cormac. (Mone.) Well the old boy consented more 
readily than I expected:— these old folks are generally 
for reckoning up the flocks, and herds, and the — oh 
plague take them! Gold never shone with the bright- 
ness of Ellen's eyes; and her witching smile is to me as 
the dowry of a Princess! 



42 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

SONG. 

Composed ITy the late Miss Balfour. 
Air. — " JTey dance to the Fiddle and Tabor" 

Dear Ellen! what gold or what treasure, 

To me could such moments of rapture convey 

As do thy smiles, when enlivened by pleasure. 
At eve by the brook, in the valley we stray. 

White is her neck, as the lilly fresh blowing, 

And dark are the ringlets that wave on her breast 

Lovely her cheeks as the rose newly glowing, 
When blushing she hears while I breathe the 
soft vow. 

Chorus. — Dear Ellen, &c. 

As he is going out, Enter Ellen, JR. If. 

Cormac. Dear Ellen! you are up before the lark; I 
was just going to seek you. 

Ellen. Well then, now that you have found me you 
have your errand: — here have been rare doings. I am 
glad, however, that you are not one of the party the 
Prince has taken with him to the wars. 

Cormac. Oh, my dear, my services are only suspend- 
ed, not dispensed with; I am to have the command of 
the detachment that is to march, in reserve, a kind of 
forlorn hope, or so. 

Ellen. Why I heard your father and you were left in 
charge of the castle. 

Cormac. Why my father, to be sure, who is too old 
for active services, and only fit for the command of a for- 
tress like this; but forme, who am the bravest, the most 
enterprising follower the gallant Prince has, how do you 
suppose he could proceed without me? (strut§ about with 
an air of consequence.) The Prince remembers my deeds 
at Dundalk. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 43 

Ellen. Your pretension is ridiculous, if your size were 
equal to your vanity, you -would be, at least, as tall as 
the old Irish champion, Cucullin. 

Cormac. Oh! spirit, and bravery do not depend on 
size, Ellen; some very great conquerors have been mere 
pigmies in stature, but giants in soul; fellows that never 
would have been visible; were it not for the noise and 
mischief which they made in the world. 

Ellen. You'll never be one of them, I predict, for the 
bramble cannot become the stately oak. Do you re- 
member the evening that Carryl tripped up your heels 
at a foot ball, and how much I laughed to see age van- 
quish youthful conceit. Now when I think of the awk- 
ward figure you cut, I cannot help laughing, ha! ha! ha! 

Cormac. Egad you did, you were vastly agreeable 
that night, for you endeavoured to expose me to the ri- 
dicule and laughter of the whole company. 

Ellen. Dear Cormac, if you had only seen the sum- 
merset you made, and how the lead in your pate over- 
balanced the feathers in your heels. — By the bye, these 
same light heels may be of some use to you, should the 
Prince be defeated, {smiling.) 

Cormac. The Prince defeated!— Pshaw that's impos- 
sible; as well might his enemies expect to invert yonder 
mountain as to vanquish him that commands the hearts 
as well as the swords of his followers: — and as to an 
Irishman deserting the glorious standard of the red- 
branch heroes, or flying before the foe in battle, damn 
me but you might as well think he would refrain from 
kissing a pretty girl in the dark. C Kisses her. J 

Ellen, This is taking more liberty than you are wel- 
come to master Cormac! I wonder sir, how you could 
presume to — 

Cormac. Love you; why if the Prince deemed that 
high treason, I fear I should be tried and executed as a 
rebel. But don't get into a pet or toss your head so 
proudly, as I can tell you as little as you think of n>e 
that there are fine ladies in competition for my choice; 
there are rivals in the case, Ellen. 



44 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

Ellen. {Jlgitated.) Rivals ! rivals— dear Cormac, in 
whom? 

Cormac, Why cannot you guess one? 

Ellen. No faith; for I flatter myself, (surveying her per- 
son,) I have charms, or perhaps, it is no flattery as so 
many young men join in the same story; but be that as 
it may, surely it cannot be Rosa, for she is only formida- 
ble when she scolds; it is not red Bridget, for she will 
never be guilty of stealing a heart. I really know of 
no one that can supplant me; but it is not worth whije to 
trouble myself, about your fair ones. 

Cormac. What think you of Morna, is she not a very 
engaging little widow, fresh, fair, and blooming? 

Ellen. Morna! oh lord! in love with the old rheuma- 
tic nurse! oh no, no, no, — be as vain as you please of my 
preference, but never imagine that the old lady has ta- 
ken a fancy to you. 

Cormac. Let me tell you, I am not such an insignifi- 
cant conquest. 

Ellen. Why to be sure they say love is blind; but I 
expect the good old sibyl does not owe the loss of sight 
to that cause solely; I question whether she could dis- 
tinguish even v.'ith spectacles^ between a peach and a 
potatoe, unless she tasted them. 

CormaCi She has distinguished me however, and that 
is a convincing proof of her keen discernment. 

Ellen. I am glad you told me for the girl's sake; and 
I shall quiz the grey haired fairy witch until she shan't 
know whether to laugh or to cry; but as to you master 
Cormac, I shall teach you for annoying me with tales of 
your venerable sweet heart, (jpouting^ but you are not 
worth my regards — I hate you, (he attempts to take her 
hand,) away to your withered nurse! never speak to me 
more; for, to punish you, I will marry the old bard, and 
then, he may amuse the castle with a pathetic tale of 
poor Cormac, who hanged himself for the love of faith- 
less Ellen Flynn! 

Cormac. Dear Ellen, a truee, you know that you alone 
ifeign in my heart. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 45 

Ellen. Yes, and afterwards you may come as a ghost 
you know, to my bed side, to upbraid the faithless 
Ellen. 

Cormac. Ellen say what you will, nothing but the 
happiness of possessing you, would make life worth en- 
joying. 

Ellen. Then I forgive you this time, but never pro- 
voke me again with the list of my rivals — why compare 
your faded old matrons to me? But Morna is coming 
this way, and she must not see us. 

Cormac. Believe me, Ellen. I was in jest, but let us. 
thus make a treaty of peace. (Kisses her,) 

[Exeunt singing a duett, JR. H. 

SCENE III. 

An apartment in the castte, — Kathleen discovered in fervent 
devotion— Morna ivaiting; — then rises and comes forward'— 
music soft. 

Kathleen. This sacred act of devotion has tranquil- 
ized my souj; I rest in calm serenity, and something tells 
me that my father will return in triumph; and that hap- 
piness will once more glow in the hearts, and beam on 
the faces of his children. But this minstrel, why do I 
so often think of him. — Why is his image enshrined in 
my thoughts? (aside.) Whence think you, good nurse, 
faloud.J cpmes this harper? he does not appear to be a 
youth of vulgar birth. Oh! ("aside, J would that Edward 
Bruce, wore a form like his, so manly, and winning, or 
had his amiable and insinuating manners! Yet I must 
banish every thought of him, and only dwell upon my 
father's safety. 

Morna. lie is a comely youth, indeed, still there are 
as fine lads in the world as he. Cormac now, in my eye, 
is just as handsome, my lady. 

Kathleen. Cormac is a faithful and devoted domestic, 
but he cannot be placed in comparison with the grace- 
ful minstrel, Morna. 

Morna. Why I grant he is not so engaging in con- 



46 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

versation, nor so tall in stature, as the young minstrel, 
but he can make such pretty verses on love, and sing 
like ablack bird in May, and prattle like a magpie in 
harvest, f sighs affectedly^ J oh! since poor Rory died my 
lady, I never met his equal! I wish, {aside,') I may ensnare 
his heart. 

Kathleen. He seems to have made an impression, — 
nurse, take care of your heart. 

JMorna. Oh, that's in no great danger; not, my lady, 
that if I were as ready to meet people halfway, as they 
are to advance. — I know what I know. 

( Walking towards the glass. 

Kathleen. Nurse bring to me my harp, and then you 
may retire for the night, {she places the harp before her.) 
[Exit Morna.] my spirits alas are' sunk in the abyss of 
misery; and all my hopes of happiness are dissolved, like 
the illusive visions of a delightful dream. Never can I 
love any man but this minstrel, but ray love must be sa- 
crificed to the pride of birth and prejudice. If the 
daugter of O'Neil were to wed a nameless and birthless 
minstrel, she would sully the aristocratic renown of her 
regal family, and break the heart of a beloved father. 
No, I will meet death willingly, but never shall Heave it 
in the power of the historian to record, that Kathleen 
O'Neil, the offspring of Nial the great, married from the 
impulse of passion, a wandering bard of peasant blood, 
I feel I am unhappy, and that despair is, es^tending its 
empire over my affections. But let me divest my mind 
of thoughts that torture my bosom. I often, found con- 
solation in m\is]c,{draiDing the harp towards her cft«ir,)come 
dear harp of my country, and let thy sounds make the 
"joy of grief," more sv/eet. Let thy chords tell my 
heart-breaking sorrows in the strains of an inspired bard 
of the land of music, eloquence, and valour. 

{Kathleen sings. 

Air—-" Erin go bragh.^* 
How brilliantly dawning, unsullied and splendid. 
My day star of life rose in beauty and light; 



KATJILEEN O'NEIL. 47 

How dimly it sinks, for its lustre is ended. 
In the shade of seclusion^ the gloom of the night! 
Yet sooth me, dear harp of my country, each number 
Sheds balm o'er the bosom when sorrows encumber. 
And steals every thorn from the pillow of slumber. 
And kindles the hope, beloved Erin! for thee. 

Dear Erin! ere Saxon had sullied thy valleys. 
Or the keel of the stranger, polluted thy sea, [lies 

Ere the sea-breeze was harnessed to drag the dread gal- 
That bore the dark burden of fetters to thee, 
I flourished, thj emblem, untutored in sorrow; 
The clouds of to-day burst in sunshine to-morrow; 
And the lay of my lute did unconsciously bonxiw 
A tint of the glories that beamed upon thee. 

Still, still I'm thy symbol, prophetic I view it — 

Futurity's curtain is raised to my eyes; 

A flash from the past sheds a brilliancy thro' it. 

And visions of wretchedness darkly arise. [thee^ 

Chill, gloomy, and drear, frowns the prospect before 

A cloud fraught with treason and bandage breaks o'er 

thee, 
The stranger, the Saxon-they pillage-they gore thee— 
They blast every flowret of freedom and thee. 

A helm thro' the dark night of bondage is gleaming. 
Like a cynosure star o'er the billows in wrath. 
The 'scutcheon of Con,* on his buckler is beaming. 
Slave, bigot, and despot, are felled in his path. 
Then Erin, like me thou shalt smile thro' thy sadness. 
And robed in attire of love, freedom, and gladness, 
The hands of the min-strels in rapturous madness, 
Will wake, beloved Erin! the anthem tothee.f 

* Alluding to Con of the hundred battles, the ancestor of 
Mr. O'Connell. 

t For this beautiful and patriotic song, which Miss Rock 
sang so delightfully to the Irish harp, the author is indebted 
lo his friend and countryman, Dr. C. C. Conweli, the ele- 
gant translator of the hymns of Homer. 



48 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

[ While she is singing, Mack Brian appears at a secret 
door behind, stealing cautiously forward; he beckons to 
Birmingham and his followers, who rush forward. 
Black Brian hastily locks the door of the apartment 

Black Brian. Her pathetic song- almost defeats my 
purpose. How can I injure her? by heaven! she looks 
like a melancholy seraph of beauty. But ven.^eance 
irresistibly impels me on in the career of wounded pride. 
Pity! avaunt! I am above thy influence, — malice and 
cruelty are now the deities I worship. 

Kathleen. (Perceiving Black Brian shrieks, and i^n a mo- 
ment recovering herself) Good God! what violence is this? 
Brian, (looking indignantly at him,) how dare you, thus, 
unwarrantably intrude into my chamber. 'Away! hypo- 
crite, or I shall call for help. 

Black Brian. Lady, you speak like your haughty fa- 
ther to one of his vassals. But know, I am neither his 
vassal, nor his triend, so that a less lofty deportment 
would now become you better. 

Kathleen. Audacious ingrate and impostor! severely 
shall you suffer for this intrusion, (Birmingham stands be- 
fore her,) gracious God! Birmingham here too. Qh! they 
seek my life! I am betrayed. Help! Cormac, O'Con- 
nolly, help, — help, for God's sake instant help! 

Birmingham. It is in vain you call for help — none can 
come, (with an insulting air,) will you accept me now, 
haughty lady? 

Kathleen. Never imperious Lord! racks and tortures 
would not have power to force me to outrage my feel- 
ings, by such an ignominious acceptance. Unfeeling 
Saxon-! my father will inflict signal punishment upon 
you — leave my apartment, or death will speedily be your 
doom!- — 

Birmingham. You will change that resolution. But 
why do Lt rifle with her. Brian assist me to bear her 
away. (Brian and two of the followers seize her.) 

Kathleen. Have you no pity, — no feeling of compas- 
sion? Oh! if you have the hearts of men, forbear thit 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 49 

violence. Surely yoahave breasts alive to the touch of 
humanity.- -Is tliis attack upon a helpless woman, my 
Lord Deputy, a specimen of English valour? 

B'mningham. Disregard her pathetic appeals, they 
are the wiles of woman. Carry her off I say, {Brian he- 
sitates,) what Brian! have you forgot your wrongs? 

Black Brian. Ah! there you have touched a string 
that cannot vibrate with the music of pity. No! ven- 
geance is the only note it can sound. I steel my heart 
now against compassion, and respect nut her moving 
tears or pathetic entreaties. 

Kathleen. Oh! perfidious ingrate! impious villain! the 
vengeance of God will soon overtake you. Dare not 
approacli me monster. Thy very touch brings contami- 
nation. {To Brian.) 

Birmingham. Bear her away speedily, I command 
you! 

[Jlfudc, strnggle, they ihroxo a clonk over her head; she is 
borne through the secret o^f ranee, the door of ivhich 
Brian closes after him as they go in. 

SCENE IV. 
^ Corridor in the castle, the doors of adjoining chambers are 
seen. — Enter Corniac. 
Cormac, Now I am the happiest man that ever a pair 
of sparkling eyes captivated. — Well love is a strange 
feeling, I cannot eat, drink, or study; in fine, 1 cannot 
do ai y thing but tliink of my lovely Ellen! Dear, dear 
Ellen! what a divinity she is! Lord she is like a Robin 
red breast, perched on an apple tree, and always sing- 
ing of good weather. What bliss awaits me when we 
are married, and that will be as soon as the chief re- 
turns. [Sings. 
Air — " The humours of Balliwfjd." 

(Composed by Miss Balfour.) 
Oh! clear what sadness, what grief, what madness, 

Our wedding will cause to the neighbours around, 
The lads all sighing, the girls all crying! 

A dozen at least in the lake will be drovvn'd! 
E 



50 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

But with Ellen my bride, at our own fire-side, 

We will taste all the rapture good humour imparts; 

And whoe'er wants a home to our cottag-e may come, 
Where a madder of whiskey shall gladden their hearts 

Chorus. 

The bosom glowing with Ennishowen,* 

Whate'er be its griefs, never yield to despair, 
'Tis the cordial of life, the consoler of strife. 

It brightens our pleasures, and lightens our care. 
With loving glances, and sly advances. 

The ladies attack me wherever I go; 
** Such limbs, such eyes, — he's a knight in disguise." . 

" Dear madam, you flatter," — I swear to you no. , 

Enter Morna. 

Morna. Truly Cormac, you might employ j^ourself 
better than in singing, while our I^ord, the Prince, is 
engaged in a dangerous expedition. 

Cormac. Why, pray novi^, my good lady fostress, would 
my silence insure his safety? or do you take my singing 
for the voice of the Banshee, screaming from the battle- 
ments, and giving you warning of death. 

Morna. Hush! Cormac, hold your cackling tongue, 
heaven keep us from all manner of miscliief, Cormac! 
Cormac! your impious prate is enough to draw down 
the vengeance of the spirits that guard the O'Neil race! 
For talking so lightly I would not wonder if some ghost 
carried you to the bottom of the la!?e. 

Cormac. Patience, kind nurse! and have a little more 
indulgence for the follies of youth; you know, (patting- 
her chin,) you were once young and in love yourself. 

Morna. Owce young! you impertinent jackanapes, I 



* Ennishowen-, is the name of the Barony in the county 
of Donegal, which is famous for producing the[purest whis- 
key in Ireland. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 51 

am not old enough yet to be your mother, except like 
one of the Arabian women, I had been married at the 
age of seven. You provoking coxcomb, how dare you 
call a woman of twenty-five, old. 

Cormac. Twenty -five! ha! ha I why my venerable 
dame, the Lady Kathleen is now seventeen, so that you 
must have commenced nursing her at eight. ^ But let 
me compliment you for being able to walk without a 
cratch, and — 

Morna, Insolent puppy! I shall dance at my Lady's 
wedding. 

Cormac. And a precious figure you will cut truly. 
IVhy there will be more people assembled to look at 
you, than came to see the great Danish standard, taken 
by Prince Hugh O'Neil, at the battle of Clontarf, the 
day it was carried in procession to the cathedral of Ar- 
magh! 

Morna. You are an impertinent varlet, {much agita- 
ted,) But I shall tell the Lady, Kathleen of your inso- 
lence — you are a heartless man to use me so, who felt a 
tender passion for such an ingrate; I hate you now 
C-weeping^J that I do. How could you be so cruel as to 
tell a woman like me, in the bloom of youth, that she 
was old. 

Corniac. CTaMvgher hand.J Nay now, dear Morna, 
I did not mean to offend you; forgive my flippancy: I 
esteem you too much to irritate a — a — youvg woman of 
your gentle disj)osition. — Do not be angry, sweet Mor- 
na, but let me thus bury all in forgetfulness. [kisses her. 

Monia. Learn to keep your distance, {mbbing her 
lips Tvith her apron,) don't presume too far sir, on my 
partiality. You know that you have worse friends in 
the castle than I, {smiles signijicantly,) though an oW wo- 
man. — I have entrapped his heart. faside.J 

Cormac. f Aside. J Plague take her whims, she's at 
it again,_ (Aloud,) 1-am truly sensible of that; and my 
heart's just hke the bog hole yonder, you have only to 
pop in a little kindness, and down it sinks. 



52 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

Morna. Ah! Cormac, you have the loveliest compa-, 
risons in the world.— 

Cormac. And what's more, I never haVe to seek 
them out — they skip from my mouth Uke an eel from a 
net, glad to be disentangled. 

Monia. Do you know Cormac, that I dreamed last 
night, you had bought for me a satin mantle, which I 
thought as white as snow. 

Cormac. Heaven grant it may be her winding sheet. 
'{aside.) (Mojid,) Well, Morna, that dream may be re- 
alized. — 

Morna. Ah' Cormac, if I were sure of possessing 
your affections. 

Cormac. Never doubt them my love,— those rosy 
cheeks, blue eyes, and sweet lips, (kisses.) have attract- 
ed my regards and fixed them in a iocus of love. (Ellen 
coming forxvard, li. H.) The nasty old duenna has beard 
f rubbing his lips -with his hand, J as strong and bristly as 
one of the wild bores in the forest of Glenarm.* 



* GLEjfARM, a pretty and picturesque village, is situated in 
a remote glen, near the borders of a bay of the same name, 
at the distance of thirteen miles from the town of Lakne, in 
. the county of Antrim. Glenarm contains about two hundred 
and fifty houses, and a population of two thousand souls. To 
the left of the town there is a ridge of precipitous mountains, 
broken into fantastic peaks, whose tops rise fifteen hundred 
feet above the mainne level. The parish church, standing on 
the sea beach, in the centre of an extensive cemetery, is a 
neat Gothic structure, adorned Avith a lofty spire of fine pro- 
portions. 

A mountain river glides through the town, near whose bank 
the imposing antique castle of Mc Donnel, Earl of Antrim, 
stands. 

The northern extremity of the Glenarm domain, is bound- 
ed by a pilastered wall of polished basalt, raised up by the 
plastic hand of nature, to the elevation of two hundred feet 
above the surfpce of the sea. Near to the church are the ruins 
-of an abbey which was founded in 1445, by Robert Bisset. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 53 

Moima. Ah Cormac! bow prettily you can give ex- 
pression to the language of love. 

Cormac. Because I feeli^s effects, {aside.) But not 
for such an old faded witch as you though. 

Ellen. C Aside. J What the deuce is the whole castle 
moping about? suppose the Prince is absent, I'll war- 
rant he's in no danger. That Black Brian always fright- 
ens me when he appears, but whenever his back's turn- 
ed, I can't help laughing; and I'm sure he knows no 
more of what's to come, than the man in the moon. 
But, ha! what's here — Cormac making love to the old 
nurse. Oh! now for some sport, {advancing,) ungrate- 
ful Cormac! is this the reward of my constancy? 1 who 
have refused fifteen shield bearers,and thirty -five squires 
for your sake! 

Coivnac. Dearest Ellen, I am only bantering the old 
jewel. 

Ellen. False inconstant man? how dare you pronounce 
my name? Not content with breakhig my heart, you 
have thrown witchcraft over the eyes of this sly, demure, 
and venerable matron, and so deluded her, that she ima- 
gines herself young and handsome, and you, a fine tall 
knight suing for her hand, ha! ha' ha! 

Morna. None of your sneers, you impertinent bag- 
gage! I might have knights in dozens, had I been as 
bold and forward as you. 

Ellen. If one only had offered every year since you 
were my age, you might have had three dozen at least, 
by this time. 

Morna. 'Tis false, you pert,spiteful minx! it is the dig- 
nity of my character which makes me look older than I 
really am, you brazen jade. I'm none of your gossiping 
flirts, that think every man in love with them, who pa}^s 
them the common attention of politeness and civility. 

Ellm. To decide our pretensions to Cormac's love, 
let us run three times round the great court, and who- 
ever first reaches the armoury door, will win as the prize 
of victory, the heart of this gallant swain.— Will you 
venture for it? 

E 2 



54 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

Morna, I scorn your taunts; though my feet are not; 
so nimble as your flippant tongue. 

Cormac. Stop, dear Ellen, you are going perhaps too 
far with the joke. 

Ellen. What! do you take her part even before my 
face? oh! ohi ohi {pretends to cry,) I shall d\e\ I shall go 
mad! 

Cormac. My dearest Ellen! — you know, I love you 
alone. • 

Morna. Silly girl! you will alarm the guards of the 
castle with your noise, you jealous fool! 

Ellen. Will 1? (bursting into loud laughter,) then see, I 
am quite myself again, and believe me old lady, I have 
too much confidence both in Cormac's constancy and in 
my own attractions, to fear even your very superior 
beauty, and winning fascination. 

Morna. Vain, idle, coquette! T shall teach you man- 
ners. Come, Miss, and wait upon the ladies, you are 
wanted. [Exit with, Ellen^ R. H. 

Enter Carryl, (X. JI.) 

Cormac. Carryl, my brave boy, what news.? Is all 
safe? 

Carryl. Yes: the Ladies Kathleen and Minona remain 
in their own apartment, your father keeps watch nekr 
the gate; and I have been walking on the lamparts for 
the last two hours, lucubrating on the ode which I am 
preparing, to celebrate the Prince's return. Cormac it 
is time you should relieve your father. 

Cormac. Yes, let us attend our duty. [Exeunt. 

SCENE V. 

The interior of Black Brian's cell, — a mossy couch; near to 
it is a rude table, on which are discovered books, a scrip, and 
a drinking scollop. Black Brian, and Birmingham, are 
seen near the couch, on which the Lady Kathleen is seated, in 
conference. She appears as if recovering from a trance. 

Kathleen, fCowng toioards Birmingham,J Oh! Bir- 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 55 

iningham, in the name of mercy — that ethereal essence 
of heroism, restore me to my home and my hberty. 
Surely there is magnanimity in your nature, and com- 
passion in your bosom, to oppose the execution of your 
inglorious purpose. Hast thou that unfeeling heart, — 
hast thou the contempt of sacred honour which would 
warra^it thee to detain me, thus, in captivity. Will not 
a soldier's generous sympathy disarm thy resolution? 

Birmingham. No, Lady, there is no feehngcan move 
or shake my invincible resolution. 1 cannot sufier you 
to leave me now, after risking detection and death in 
the castle for thy sake. 

Kathleen. Ohl not for mine, — it was for the savage 
passion of dark revenge. Love had no agency in the 
ignoble act. That refined feeling was extinguished in 
3'^our mind when you planned my captivity with the ma- 
licious hypocrite Black Brian. 

Birmingham. Lady, in this project, love and revenge 
were allies, for your father slighted, and you scorned me. 
But the ardour of my love for you, mainly forced me 
to this painful alternative. 

Kathleen. Your love for me indeed! Do not insult me 
with such dissimulation. Are violence and captivity, 
the proofs you would adduce to woo and win her whom 
you pretend to love? — Away my Lord, your cruel acts, 
belie your professions, — and — 

Black Brian. My Lord it grows late, and we should not 
listen to her subtile speeches, a woman's tears, and a 
woman's eloquence, have often, my Lord, unmanned 
heroes, and disconcerted their plans, — she is now in 
your power, so that you need no longer act the part of 
the imploring lover. 

Kathleen. One word Birmingham; ah! if thou e'er 
did'st know a mother's fondness, or regard a sister's 
smile, — if e'er that sister claimed protection from thee! 
Oh! think that now thou seest her kneel to thee, and 
supplicate thy mercy, thy pity, and thy justice, with 
tears of anguish, flowing from an afflicted heart! 

Birmingham. T have no mother living, and my sister's 



56 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

hand was raised against my life! I'll hear no more lady; 
my purpose is unalterable, so that you but waste your 
words; to night I shall carry you to the strong castle of 
Ardee, in spite of human intervention. 

Kathleen, Oh! hast thou no touch of compassion, 
dreadest thou not the vengeance of heaven? {weeps.) 

Birmingham. None! nor do I fear the wrath of hea- 
ven, for loving thee. But time warns me away. {He 
motions two of his followers to conduct Kathleen to the couch.) 
Now to prepare for flight:— when night returns Lady, 
{addressing Kathleen,) I will come back, and bear thee 
hence to comfort and joy. 

Kathleen. Comfort and joy, forsooth! Oh! thou man 
of cruelty, dare not to talk to me of any thing, but thy 
vengeance and perfidy, say you will bear me to racks 
and tortures, and then I will beUeve you. But despe- 
rate as my situation is, I do not yet despair of the aid of 
an omnipresent God. 

JBirmingham. Lady, you will change your tone and 
opinion as soon as you reach my castle; adieu! compose 
your spirits. To night we go hence. Brian, farewell, 
be punctual in your attendance here to night. Remem- 
ber I am thy friend, {shaking his hand.) 

Black Brian. Then, my Lord, go promptly to the 
place of concealment. — We but lose time. I too must 
depart to the scene of action: {Exeunt Birmingham and 
Ms followers.) A few hours will either achieve or destroy 
my projects. My fate vibrates on the point of a crisis, 
if either chieftain fall, why well; if not, fortune may fa- 
vour me, or chance direct. — Oh, superstition! what a 
chain art thou, to bind the finest faculties of the man. 
Thy iron grasp can freeze his genius, and paralyze his 
soul, degrade his nature, sully even his virtues, and sink 
him to a slate of brutal folly! 

[Exit through a gtated door. 

Kathleen. {Rising from the couch and coming forward,) 
They are gone to plot afresh against my life and honour. 
Oh! ye guardian spirits of the Heremonian line of 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. m 

O'Neil,* hover on seraph's wings around me, and pro- 
tect a hapless daughter of that house, under your su- 
pernatural shield, from the defilement with which she is 
menaced; preserve her soul from foul pollution, (seems 
to totter.) But tears and wo have exhausted my strength; 
I dare not sleep, (going ioicardsthe'tahle,) here I perceive 
a bible, and the salutary lessons of moral inspiration may 
console my sorrows and sufTerings; I will read awhile^ 
(opens the bible in which she discovers a dagger, holds it up in 
her hand, while her countenance expresses a mixture of horrory 
and amazement) O, most pious pilgrim! — here is the sym- 
bol of his atrocious villany— here has been the poison- 
ous scorpion of death, hid in the sacred rose of divine 
precept. But come sparkling friend, (holding up the 
dagger,) be to me what thou hast been to Lucretia, the 
guardian of cliastity. With thee, the daughter of O'Neil 
can evince Roman courage, and die virtuously like aa 
Irisli Princess. Birmingham, and Brian, whilst I have 
thiii you cannot dishonour me, — your vengeance can 
only reach my life, but not my virtue, that will live in. 
my country's story. (Looking around the cell,) Ha! yon- 
der is an open cavern, let me try and penetrate it, for 
nothing but indispensable necessity, will drive me to 
the alternative of suicide. But this dagger, (placing it 
in her bosom,) will be my last resort. 

[Exit through a cavern, L. H^ 

SCENE VI. 

The hall nf the castle as before. — Ehter 0' Connolly, Morna, 
Cormac, and Jlltendanls, confusedly; (R. H.) they by ges- 
ture express grief and consternation. 
O' Connolly. Distraction! gone! but wither? I can 

* Heremon was the son of Milesius, and the first sole Mi- 
lesian monarch of Ireland; from him was descended Nial of 
the nine hostages, who reigned monarch of Erin in the fourth 
century. The O'Neils, being his direct posterity, derived 
their name from him. He was the common ancestor of these 
Princes as well as of the O'Donnels, Mac Geohegans, 
Mc Loughlins, O'Quins, O'Kendelans, O'Dalys, O'Dougher- 
^s, and other ancient families. 



58 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

swear she never issued through gate or loop hole; for a 
rat could not move, without my hearing or seeiug it. 
Some evil spirit has carried her off, that's certain — but 
who, oh! who, shall tell the noble Phelim this? 

Morna. ( Clamorously,) Oh! my child — my child! — ^that 
I nursed with such tenderness! 

(y Connolly. Peace, woman! your clamour is unne- 
cessary; we have confusion enough, heaven knows, 
without your bellowing. 

Morna. I might clamour like the heath-cock, at the 
break of day, before I could make one of you active. 
Oh! if my poor, husband Rory was alive, he would soon 
find out our Lady, even if she was enchanted by the 
Banshee! — O, he was a wild cat in swiftness, and an owl 
in sagacity. 

Cormac. (.Aside,) And you are a wild cat in crabbed- 
ness, and an owl in stupidity, (Moud,) Why what would 
you have us do nurse? 

Morna. Drag the lake, search the forest, burn the 
castle! — any thing but I would find the Lady Kathleen! 
To succeed I would go through fire and water. Oh, my 
Lady! oh! oh! (weeps,) 

Cormac. That would be going through fire and water 
with a vengeance. It is well you don't insist upon our 
bestriding the hawks, and go to the moon to please 
you.— 

Enter Thomond, Minona, and Ellen, fJR. H.J 

Thomond. What dreadful tale is this? Good heavens! 
what has befallen the Lady? 

O' Connolly. ( Walking round the apartment in a state of 
great disorder and distraction.) No mortal hand ever con- 
veyed her hence. Surely some evil spirit or malignant 
fairy must have transformed her into a bird, and carried 
her up the chimney. 

Cormac. A dreadful and dismal tale it is bard! the 
Lady Kathleen has disappeared, as it should seem by 
supernatural agency. No creature was observed near 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL, 59 

the castle, and she could not in any human shape, have 
passed the gate, without my father's knowledge. 

Minona. Oh, day of sorrow! oh my darling sister! 
must I never see her again,— Now I am as miserable as 
fortune can make me. (iveeps.) 

Ellen. The reign of happiness alas, is terminated in 
this castle! this hall lately so joyous, will never again 
resound with the strains of joy, or the voice of re- 
velry. 

C'ormac. The agents of darkness must have carried 
her oW, — no human means were possible, 

Thomond. That it was done by demons, I doubt not, 
but they were, Cormac, demons that wore the human 
form. 

0' Connolly. By all the saints that sprang from the 
royal blood of Con of the hundred battles, the Lady 
Kathleen, did not pass out last night through door, or 
loop hole, for the truth of this, I appeal to heaven; but 
minstrel, know you aught? 

Thomond. f With dignified pride, J Do I — know aught! 
Yv'hat! Old man! dare any one suspect me? 

Minona. Accuse him not; he sure is innocent. 

Thomond. (Recovering himself.) lonly know, that the 
belief in supernatural means, is but amidle dream. And 
he who pretends to converse with the world of spirits, 
is either an arrant knave, or a mad enthusiast. 

Minona. True minstrel; and sometimes both are uni- 
ted in the same character, 

Cormac, Black Brian, solemnly warned our chieftain 
of impending danger. The pious man, threatened himi 
witli the wrath of heaven. 

Thomond. f Starting. J Then he is the villain! 

Minona. No deeper treads the earth, than is that 
hypocritical wretch. 

Cormac. What he! the holy hermit! Now, may God 
forgive you, my Lady, for cherishing such false opinions 
and unjust suspicions? 

Morna. IMay Saint Patrick protect us, my Lady, I 
fear it all comes of your father's obstinacy; Black 



W KA.THLEEN O'NEIL. 

Brian predicted the misfortunes that have fallen on us. 
My dear Lady has been carried off by the fairies in con- 
sequence. 

Mino7ia. My father treated the warning's of an igno- 
rant, but cunning visionary as he ought — with contempt. 
Let me hear no more from you, madam on the subject. 
Sorrow should be always silent. 

O'ConnoUy. But my Lady, his penance, and piety 
forbid suspicion, — to doubt him, would be to suspect 
the pui'ity of an angel. 

Thomond. That devotion never yet was sincere, that 
obtruded on the public eye,*nor tliose acts of mortifica- 
tion, aught but solemn mocking which were performed 
ostentatiously, in presence of the Vvorld. Vice can 
more easily deceive in the stolen vestments of virtue, — 
and assume4 sanctity is the Imposing mask in which the 
hypocrite hides his turpitude. True religion dwells in 
the heart; and even when unseen, pourS its benificent 
effects around. But let us away! to the cell of Black 
Brian, — there we will seize him, and extort from his 
own mouth, a confession of his perfidious trcacliery! 

[Exit hastiltj, A H. 

Morna. Faith, this young poet can make a fine spdf ch. 
I believe I'll cock my cap at him, and give up Cormac. 
Oil! if he would ma!ce me the subject of one of his 
songs, I should be the vainest woman in the world. 

[aside. 

Minona. May heaven speed the gallant minstrel! 

O'Connolhj. He seems a brave fellow, and 1 would 
venture to say, tliat like another Ossian, he can wield 
the sword as well as the pen. Cormac, you must follow 
him, and aid the search, which I fear will be in vain, fur 
no mortal man ever carried off" our Lady. No, no, any 
thing in human shape, could not evade my watchful vi- 
gilance. 

Minona. Yes, Cormac, hasten to his assistance; be- 
lieve me that Brian has been the grand mover in the 
wicked deed, for the sun never beamed on so vile a 
TOonster. Fly, fly! seek him out, and force him to con- 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 61 

fess whatever he knows of my hapless sister. — Oh, my 
sister! perhaps, we never shall meet more. [Exit. 

0' Connolly. I would as soon believe that Pope Adrian 
had a right to bestow this kingdom to Henry the Saxon, 
as that Black Brian would injure the sweet Lady Kath- 
leen; nevertheless, his knowledge may assist us in dis- 
covering her. Go then, my son, and let it never be 
said that the heart of an Irishman, failed in the cause of 
virtue and patriotism. 

Cormac. No, nor in the cause of beauty; so let me 
go. Heaven bless thee Ellen, {takes her hand and kisses 
it.) 

Mama, (aside,) He loves that pert, forward jade. 
Oh! she was born to cross me in love, and break my 
heart. (Maud,) Yon might have given me one kind 
look at parting, but I see I am out of favour, (pouts,) 
But there is no truth in man. Oh! my poor dear Rory, 
no wonder that I loved him so much, for he was the jew- 
el of a man! he never left me without bestowing a lo- 
ving glance upon me. 

Co)-mac. No wonder indeed, for in your endearments 
you were more like wild cats than turtle doves, and 
never parted without a scratch, and mew. Farewell my 
beloved Ellen, — on my lads to the cell of the hermit. 

[Exit. 

Mbrna. Insolent ingrate! thus he spurns my 16ve, 
and wounds my proffered heart, but I shall have re- 
venge, (aside.) 

Ellen. Dear Mr. O'Corinolly, I fear for Cormac, should 
Black Brian be displeased! Though I sometimes laugh 
at him, I dread his anger, and his austerity. 

Mbrna. Why should he, for being asked a civil ques- 
tion? Next to hearing a secret, there's nothing like 
telling one. 

O' Connolly. There can be no dread of danger en- 
tertained, in the cause of virtue; so keep up your spi- 
rits Ellen, and hope for success. But I must attend to 
my duty. [Exit. 

Morna. Ay, gentle lady, (with a sneer,) keep up your 



62 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

spirits and ypur hopes. What deceiving airs you can 
assume, — you lump of affectation! there are others in 
the castle feel as much asyou pretend to, only that they 
have too much modesty to let it be known. Alackadayl 
we are come to a pretty pass, when waiting maids ape 
the consequence of their mistresses. But (aside,) I will 
check your pride and supplant you in Cormac's affec- 
tions. [Exit. 
Ellen. If my love were not greater than her modesty, 
a small compass would contain it. That adonis, Cbrmac 
occupies my whole thoughts and affections. Oh, may 
angels guard him in his adventure. [Exit. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 63 



ACT III.-SCENE I. 

The front tf Turloch's castle^ — Drawbridge and JPortcullis, 

Phelim. f Without. J Now, my brave fellows, that we 
have passed the ramparts, let justice be our watchword, 
— on! on! up to the walls, strike for victory! — sound the 
war cry of Nial the Grand (They all shoutj) Huzza! for 
O'Neill hurah! for the red branch. 

[Music, as he and his soldiers rush on to sform the castle, 
the gates are suddenly thrown open: and Dermot, a 
bard, dressed in the habit of his orders enters, bearing in 
his hand, a green branch, as the symbol of peace, which 
he presents to the Prince. 

Dermot. Hail, puissant Prince of Ulster, — hail, illus- 
trious descendant of the hero of the nine hostages. 

Phelim. I thank you for your salutation, Dermot; but 
what is the import of your mission,— will Turloch hold 
out? Speak! quickly, venerable bard. 

Dermot. Gallant Prince, our Lord apprized of thy 
approach, by me has sent, that token of submission. IJe 
knows thou comest to seek redress for O'Cahan, and 
yields to thy command. Yet let not your highness ima- 
gine, that it's fear that actuates him, no! that feeling 
never throbbed in his bosom; indeed his valour [and 
courage, at the battle of Dundalk, under your own eye, 
leave no ground for questioning his courage. But the 
lofty soul of the chief, is sometimes the prey of passion; 
still he is ever prompt to deplore his faults, and to make 
such an atonement for them, as is consistent with honour. 
Thy lands, (to O'Cahan,) young chief, shall be restored 
to thee; and Turloch will prove himself more the object 
of pity than of blame, in all that concerned the tragic 



64 *"' KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

fate of thy brother. Thou, renowned Prince, shalt wit- 
ness the faithful performance of this promise. If thou 
agree, deign to partake of his hospitality, deign to share 
with him the rosy cup of peace — and then the dulcet 
sounds of the harp, will prove more agreeable to your 
soul than the discordant blast of the clkrion of mars. 

Phelim. O'Cahan what sayest thou? Will this offer 
satisfy you? 

O'Cahan. I wait the pleasure of your highness. — 
Your decision is mine. 

Phelim. Son of tuneful harps, thy voice has dispelled 
the cloud that portended disaster to thy chief; — thou 
hast quelled the tempest that was about to burst anni- 
hilation upon his head. — Go, minstrel, and tell him that 
I consent; for I came but to procure the terms he offers. 
Wherefore, then, should I draw the sanguinary sword, 
when by accepting his submission, I can spare the effu- 
sion of human blood? 

Dei-mot. These sentiments are such as accord with 
the feelings of a true Milesian hero, as humanity, is the 
brightest attribute of the knights of the red branch. 
Oh! that all conquerors would follow your example, and 
emulate your magnanimity, then, never should the fal- 
chion be unsheathed, but to defend the land of our 
sires, to maintain our liberties, or to protect beauty from 
insult and violence. But let me lead your highness to 
the chief 

[Music. — Exeunt into the castle, as they approach the 
door, the soldiers give a shout of triumph, 

SCENE II. 

t/2 Gothic hall, — a grand banquet, ladies and minstrels stand in 
groups to receive the Prince. Turloch discovered seated on 
a chair of state, behind which his standard bearer elevates his 
ensign. — Music.-— 'Phelim, O^Cahan, and soldiers, intro- 
duced by the bard. Turloch rises and advances to receive the 
Prince, while the ladies and the minstrels make obeisance. 
Turloch. Welcome my liege Lord, to whom I owe , 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 65 

fealty»— welcome to my nephew's castle. O'Cahan! I 
also greet you with a welcome— the soldiers of the great 
O'Neil, are likewise all welcome to my presence. 

Phelim. I thank you chief in behalf of all, and 1 re- 
joice that such is our cordial meeting; and that amenity 
and reparation are about to extinguish the torch of dis- 
cord, but let us hear, Turloch, how you can exculpate 
yourself. 

Turloch. First, great chief, {"pointing to the table,) par- 
take of my homely banquet. 

Phelim. Not yet:— thou didst propose to clear thyself 
from the charge of murder, which this noble youth pre- 
ferred. I cannot join you at the altar of hospitality, or 
pledge thee in the friendly goblet, until after thou hast 
wiped off the sullying stain, by proving thy innocence. 

Turloch. And I will prove it beyond a doubt.— > 
0'Cahan*s brother was my early friend— 
And might have still been such but for a villain; 
Some trifling cause he had of discontent — 
For many days he came not to the castle. 
Urged by the vile inventions of a wretch 
Then in my court, 1 sent an ample guard 
To seize him— in the struggle he was slain! 

fpauses much affected. J 
Meanwhile, his murderer besought his lands, 
1 would not grant them, though I blamed him not, 
But think what dread conviction flashed on me, 
When this same miscreant assailed my life! 
Too plainly, then, I saw O'Cahan's fate! 
The villain fled— nor could I trace him since, 
Until lately I heard it rumoured that he dwells 
In the vicinity of your castle, disguised in a hermit's 
garb.— 
Phelim. Heavens! can it be possible? No, no, Black 
Brian's sanctity is not assumed; he is a man of virtue. — 
Dare he impose himself on my patronage in a fictitious 
character? 

Turloch, I was just about setting out, in quest of that 
diabolical hypocrite. 



66 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

Phelim. And if my lands, or courts, contain such a 
monster, he shall be yielded up directly to the punish- 
ment of justice. From me, an impostor-need not ex- 
pect clemency. 

O'Cahan. Chief, I am satisfied; and will renew to 
thee my oath of fealty, in presence of our superior 
Prince. 

Phelim. I am truly happy that reconciliation has can- 
celled your difference, for dissension, has been the ruin 
of our country, it has been the prolific source of all our 
evils; it was this demon that invited the English inva- 
ders to our shores, and prostrated us under the galling 
weight of oppression. 

O'Cahan. But, Prince, thank Ultonian valour, the 
English lion never impressed the sacred patrimony of 
Nial the Grand, in Ulster, with his accursed paws. 

Phelim. No, chieftain, if Leinster and Munster, had 
evinced the bravery of Ulster and Connaught, Henry 
the Second, and all his followers, would have found a 
grave in Ireland. — But the fatal beauties of the Queen 
of Breffeny, produced as direful disasters in Erin, as 
those of Helen did in Troy. — But O'Cahan come for- 
ward and renew your allegiance to Turloch, as your 
Lord paramount, and he must make you full reparation 
for every aggression. 

Phelim IV alks forward, his soldiers range themselves round. 
Ml draio their sioords and hold them in an elevated po- 
sition. O' Cahan kneels, puts his hands between those 
of Turloch. 

O' Cahan. (Bending forward,) To be true to thee in 
peace and war,— to fight thy battles, when lawfully sum- 
moned, and bear thee true allegiance, saving the rights 
of the Prince of Ulster, — all this to perform, I swear by 
the order of knighthood, conferred upon me by the 
Prince. 

[Mtisic, kisses the hilt of Tnrloch's sword. All sheath 
their swords, and range themselves round the table. 



KATHLEEN O'NElL. 67 

Turloch, Now, my Lord, I pray you to partake of our 
cheer. 

Phelim. Chieftain, I shall and gladly, (jseals himself.) 

Turloch. O'Cahan, you must pledge me in a cup of 
reconciliation. 

O'Cahan. You do me honour chieftain. 

[They all fill their goblets. 

Turloch. Then, from the bowl, brilliant with rosy 
wine, and wreathed with our native shamrocks, let us 
drink the draught of renewed friendship, and alhance; 
and may the bosom of our mother, dear Erin! the land 
of song and story! be never lacerated by the strife of 
her sons. [They drink. — Flourish. 

Phelim. It is a patriotic sentiment, worthy of an Irish 
heart, and may it be followed by eternal harmony and 
concord, — for it was disunion heralded Saxon despotism 
into this dear country; were it not for that destructive 
hydra, the standard of Fingal, and Brian Boroihme, in- 
stead of the hated ensign of Saxon oppression, would 
now wave in the breeze, on the round towers of Erin. 

Dermot. Oh Prince, bow you bring back to memory 
the days of our glory, the innmortal deeds of our heroes, 
who, under that harp emblazoned banner, which O&sian 
denominated the " Sun-beam of Battles," vanquished 
Roman legions in Caledonia, and wreathed themselves 
in the laurels of eternal renown, on the sanguinary field 
of Clontarf ! ■ 

Turloch. Come Dermot, like Ossian, gladden our ears 
with the voice of song — raise the strains of fame and 
celebrate the glories of our illustrious guest. 

Dermot cojjies forward, he sits. Other bards attendt and 
Mack Brian disguised in the dress of a bard. viingk& 
with them. 



6S KATHLEEN O'NEIL, 

SONG. 

By Miss Balfour. 

Air — *^ Bumper Squire Jones,"*' 

The banquet is crowned 
The wine sparkles high in the generous bowl, 
Now press it around. 
And let its full measure, 
Enliven with pleasure, 
The feast of the soul; 
Then lend your regards 
To the songs of the bards, 
"While over your senses our music shall steal, 
ft And honour and glory 

Shall swell every story; 
That Fame shall relate in praise of O'NeiL 

In loftier verse, 
Now wake the loud strains, let your voices arise, j 

The praises rehearse, 

Of Phelim victorious 

The vahant and glorious, 

The brave and the wise;— 

Remember the field. 

Where he won the proud shield. 
The prize of his valour, his fame's brilliant seal, 

Till the harp's lofty strain 

Over mountain and plain. 
Shall resound with the praise of the gallant O'Neil. 

Then pour the libation — 
And may the whole nation, 
TCTnite for the success of Kathleen G'Jsl'eil. 

Phelinu Bard, thou hast well acquitted thee of thy 
task. 1 would my daughter were here,— she would be 
charmed by thy skill and thank thee. 

Turloch, Her thanks could not fail. Prince, of giving 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 69 

him new inspiration, as the applause of a lovely woman 
serves to kindle the rays of genius, the enthusiasm of 
poetry, and the flame of eloquence. 

Phelim. Chief, thou art gallant. When thou visitest 
my castle, she shall present thee with a cup of mead, to 
drink the health of thy favourite Lady. 

Black Bnan. f Rising among the bards. J Ha! the gale 
of inspiration breathes upon me, — the fox has stolen 
into the den of the lion! 

Ttirloch. What meanest thou minstrel; are you sei- 
zed with the madness of poetry, — or has the wine given 
thee, the prophetic spirit? 

Black Brian. Chieftain, impede me not, — the spirits 
of other worlds whisper to me, — the rose bud withers 
on its stem — the seedling dies, while the lifeless trunk 
remains like the scorched oak in the forest, without a 
branch of foliage! 

Phelim. Explain thyself in intelligible language. — 

Black Brian. Better for thee, Prince, my hps were 
not yet unsealed — she melts — she vanishes! Never more 
shall the hand of thy Kathleen grace thy banquet, nor 
gladden thy rising soul with the light of song! fgesticu- 
latesivildly,J she struggles in the billows of despair, she 
implores her father's help! See! see! her spirit calls 
me — I come — I come! good phantom! my task is done, 
it beckons me, I must away! The waves close over her! 
Beware who follow me ! 

[Rushes out in a state of wild disorder, L, H. 
They all seem astonished at the manner of 
Brian. 
Phelim. This man is either drunk, or distracted with 
imaginary inspiration. 

Turloch. Oh Prince! all the poets are subject to mad 
fits; think nothing of his idle rhapsody.— Let us have 
the mazy dance, and amuse the Prince in a becoming 
manner. 

Dermot. (aside.) All the poets subject to mad fits! 
by the Lyre of Apollo, that is a fine character to give 



70 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

men of genius! But the spleen shall find no room in 
my mind this night, as good wine, is better than all the 
composing draughts in the apothecary's shop. My heart 
is as light as a feather, and my, ideas quite in the epic 
order. C Rises and struts about.]) [l}ance. 

Enter Carryl, hastily, ("R. H,J 

Carry!. My Lord— my Prince— your hall— the Lady 
Kathleen ! 

[Sinks dotun, as if overcome by fatigue^ and grief- 
All rise and surround him y by their gestures express' 
ing anxiety and amazement. 

Phelim. Speak! speak! what of Kathleen? what of 
my beloved child? fThey raise him up, J speak, I com- 
mand you! — 

Carryl. ("With difficulty. J I 'cannot speak to yoUi* 

highness, lam Oh! fly quickly to the castle! — 

the Lady Kathleen, I fear is— 

Phelim. Is dead! — Would'st thou say so, and break 
my heart. — 

Carryl. No thank heaven! but heed me not, fly, her 
danger is imminent! haste to the castle, lose not a mo- 
men— — [Faints. 

Phelim. His terrors overcome him, but my darling 
child, sure heaven will guard her. Haste away my sol- 
diers, let no time be lost. 

Tiirloch. My chieftain, would you but accept my 
aid — 

Phelim. Yes, Turloch, 'come; but arm quickly; the 
English must have stormed my castle, and made captives 
of my daughters, — it is so — oh, then for vengeance! — 
Now if ere you loved me prove it, my friends, by your 
speed — all that I hold most precious is at stake! and he 
who first shall reach the castle, gains the richest gift in 
my possession. Let us away. 

[Music — They all exeunt in bustle and confusion, ex- 
cept Carryl, wkom two attendants carry out. R. H. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 71 

SCENE III. 

A rocky ravine^ Tvith an aperture of a cavern, partially 
concealed by the branches ofioild briar and holly — music 
soft. 

Enter Thomond, ("advancing toioards the cavern, J 

Thomond. This is the entrance to the abode of hypo- 
crisy. Let me but find the villain and I will make him 
confess, else by this sword he shall die. Dearest Kath- 
leen! fair and fond object of ray first love! if thou art 
dead, or dishonoured, my fate is determined, — in death 
alone I wiU seek happiness' But let me proceed through 
tlys gloomy cave to Brian's cell. fJis he is in the act of 
descending the steps of the caver7i, he perceives and picks 
up a bracelet. J By heaven! f music, J she must be here, 
for this bracelet graced her snowy arm, even when last 
I saw her! Precious relic, (kissing it,) how dearly I 
prize thee! (a -wailing cry heard,) ha! what is that? (he 
listens attentively, and hears a moaning voice, faintly ex- 
claim,) [Gracious heaven! is there no aid near? Oh! 
no:— the night of despair hangs its clouds dismally 
around me, and every ray of hope has vanished.] By 
all my hopes of joy and love, it is she — it is my beloved 
Kathleen! Let me seek thee bright goddess of my af- 
fections. (Be proceeds through the cavern and in a few 
moments returns, bearing up the Lady Kathleen.) 

Kathleen. Minstrel, I know not how to speak my 
thanks, words are inadequate to give them expression. 

Thomond. Lady, your safety is my best reward. — To 
rescue so much beauty and loveliness, as you possess, 
from the fangs of treachery, is an honour of which I 
must be ever proud, as forming the happiest occurrence 
of ray life. — ^Yes, Lady, this event shall be remembered 
as the brightest vision, among the few which memory 
may reflect upon, that cheerlessness of sinking exist- 
ence. 

Kathleen, (aside.) Why wai not his birth as noble 
as his sentiments?— (a/ouc?,) poets, sir, are generally too 



72 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

fluttering in their compliments. — But surely it was pro- 
* vidence that sent you hither to my deliverance,and now 
that I again breathe the balmy breeze of liberty, let us 
away, for I fear Birmingham will return and intercept 
our progress. 

Thomond. Birmingham! was it he Lady? Gracious 
God! could an English Peer, nay, an English soldier act 
so base? I thought it was the base man, Black Brian. 

Kathleen. Both, both, good minstrel, were leagued 
against my peace and honour. 

Thomond. {aside.) By the soul of Brian the brave, 
my illustrious ancestor, I shall have revenge for this, or 
fall by Birmingham's hand. — {aloud,) Oh, villains! mon- 
sters! Hell has not a torture severe enough to punish 
such a crime ! 

Kathleen. Minstrel, T pray you lead me to the castle, 
there- shall my father's bounty faintly prove how highly 
he will rate the obligation which we owe you. 

Thomond. I know his noble nature well,.t-(as»<^eO if 
I possessed her, the rewards of Empires, could not 
add to my felicity. 

Kathleen. For me I cannot use a language sufficiently 
eloquent to express my sense of gratitude, or make my 
tongue the interpreter of the • feelings that warm my 
heart. Teach me but how I can reward you best, and 
life itself is not too rich a ransom ! — For life and honour 
I owe to you. 

Thomond. There is one way Lady, but my tongue re- 
fuses to be the herald of my heart. — In silence it must 
be buried. 

Kathleen. Oh, name it sir, — say how I can requite 
your services! 

Thomond. Lady 1 dare not — *tis too bold a suit [sighs. 

Kathleen. Be it what it may — speak, and thy boon is 
granted. — Thou canst not ask for more than I owe thee. 
{Aside.) OhL that he were of a noble family, my heart 
and hand should be his reward. 

Thomond. {Aside.) I must now declare my passion, 
though I feel more dread at doing so, than if I were to 



KATHLEEN O'NETL. 7% 

encounter a batallion of Birmingham's crossbow-men. 
{aloud ) Lady I adore, I love thee. {K7ieeling.) 

Kathleen. Rise sir! — This is too bold a suit indeed! I 
do not wonder at thy hesitancy. ( With lofty dignity.') 
Minstrel, I owe thee much, and would not wound thee 
with harsh remembrance of our different stations; but 
since thou hast presumed upon thy services, I must re- 
mind thee, I am the daughter of a royal Prince, and one 
of the heiresses of his fortunes, and his name, — that 
name so revered by Irishmen, and so emblazoned on 
Erin's annals, shall never be tarnished by me, I will still^ 
preserve it free from stain, even as the hallowed relic of 
my sire. 

Thomond. (^side.) She never looked so charming", 
her air so dignified, her cheeks so flushed, exhibit the 
grace of a Queen, and the ideal attractions of pictured 
beauty— Oh! first of Erin's daughters, how each word 
adds to my love, respect, and awe! 

Kathleen. Yet let me still be just — were such thy 
birth, as would not raise the blush upon my cheek, — I 
care not for possessions, — but would share whatever my 
father could bestow, with thee. But it is enough; we 
will mention it no more. 

Thomond. The recording page of our history. Lady, 
furnishes examples of bards vi'ooing, and winning Mile* 
sian Princesses, — therefore, I will rest my hopes, on 
your compassion, and indulge the blissful expectation 
that the sensibility, and goodness of my Lady's heart, 
will yet preponderate in my fwour, and surmount the 
barrier that feudal pride would opnose to love. 

Kathleen. These examples, sir, I shall not follow, 
though you would gild tliSm with historical authority. 
No more on this painful subject, unless you wish to can- 
eel my gratitude by offending me. But let us fly from 
this hated spot. 

Thomond., (Throiving off his minstreVs habit.) Stay 
one moment Lady — view me as I am — no wandering 
minstrel, but Thomond's chief, the ally and kinsman of 
your gallant father. Long, in my father's hall, on the 

G 



74 KATHLEEN O'NEIL, 

flower enamelled banks of the Shannon, the bards had 
sung the praises of the Lady Kathleen O'Neil, had paint- 
ed her virtues amiable, beautiful, and intellectual. That 
I mig-ht see thee in thy native Kistre— see thee divested 
of the mask of court disg-uise, 1 took this minstrel garb, 
sought thy presence, and found the original in grace 
and loveliness, superior to the picture which the bards 
presented of thee in their encomiums, (^kneeliyig.') Lady 
I love you with as warm an ardour, as ever glowed in a 
lover's heart; but I will not again urge my suit, until it 
be sanctioned by your own consent, and thy father's 
smile. — Ah! Lady, let the smiling rays of thy blue eyes 
brighten my hopes. 

Kathleen. Surprise had struck me dumb! Rise 
Prince, when the full heart cannot express its feelings, 
silence assumes the power of eloquence, and speaks 
unutterable things. 

Thomond. ('Taking her 7ia7id and kissing it, J Yes, 
my beloved Kathleen, that silence l\as spoken audibly 
to my feelings, and dissipa-ted the clouds of suspense 
that a few moments ago, darkened their horizon. Now 
my angel to the castle: — On our way, should aught im- 
pede our steps, this trusty sword shall smooth our pas- 
sage, and insure thy safety. [Exeunt L. H. 

SCENE m. 

Jl view of Shane's castle and lake. — Sunset. — Miisic.-^ 
Enter Black Brian, H. B. 

B. Brian. All now is lost, and flight alone remains; — 
To seek {pause,") for shelter in the English fortress. — 
Could I but seize Minona— but 'tis vain. — 
Even at the banquet, when in bardic guise 
I mingled with the rest, I could but stop 
For one short moment, their accustomed mirth. 
What have I gained by all my countless crimes; 
Gained! death and madness hover in the thought! 
Now to my cave, until the midnight watch. ('Going. J 
Confusion! Kathleen safe! the minstrel here! 
Demons are leagued to frustrate my design! 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 75 

Enter Thomond and Kathleen. {R. H."] 

Kathleen. Oh! 'tis the fiend Black Brian! save me 
from his ruthless power, 1 conjure jou! 

Thomond. Fear not my love, this arm will now not 
only protect thee, but avenge thy wrongs. 

Black Brian, f aside. J One glorious effort, and the 
prize is mine. I have nothing to fear from the struggles . 
which the bard may make to save her, as like all poets, 
he can compose heroic stanzas, better tlian he can per- 
form heroic actions. {Aloud.) Resign the Lady, minion 
of the muses! or else I shall send you harping to 
Pluto! 

Thomond. Base wretch ! I shall resign my life first! 
Away! thy blood is not worthy of my sword, low born 
peasant! 

Black Brian. Then rash boy, to this sword yield it. 

\Music. — Black Brian ryshes on him, ^Jit he parries 
his thrust, they encotinter each other tvith fury. 
Kathleen looks on the combat -with fear and terror. 
They cose and after a desperate struggle, Thomond 
overpo-wers Brian, just as CormaCf and follorvers 
enter, ivho immediately seize and manacle him. — 
Cormac seems amazed on vienving the Princely dress 
of the minstrel, 

Thoinond. Villain! we have thee now, but I would 
jiot disgrace my sword by taking thy life, for on the 
scaffold you must expiate your horrid crimes. — Cormac 
drag the criminal to the castle, there to abide the heroic 
Phehm's judgment. 

Kathleen. {Taking his arm.) Twice brave Pjnnce, 
hast thou risked thy life for me, and in future, mine 
shall be devoted to the pleasing task of making you 
liappy; here is my hand, my heart is already in your pos- 
session. 

Thomond. Dearest Kathleen! now the measure of my 
happiness is full of joy. {kisses her ) 

Cormac. Surely this can be no bard, for Lady Kath- 



76 KATHLEEN O'NElL. 

leen certainly would not allow any one below the rank 
of a Prince, to kiss her. (aside.) 

Thomond. Cormac conduct forth your prisoner. 

Cormac. {To Brian.) Come along-, deceiver, surely 
the devil has taken your shape, butlliave one infallible 
way of knowing- him, and that is by his cloven foot and 
branching horns! [^Eyeing him attentively. 

[Enter Phelim, Tnrloch, 0'Cahan,&c. [R. K] I^aih- 
leen rushes into her father'' s arms. 

Phelim. My dear Kathleen! my darling! come let me 
embi^ce thee, child of my heart! Tell me, Kathleen, 
"what has befallen th,ee? What strange occurrence? 

Kathleen. I have sufferedmuch, but all is banished 
in thy safe return, the storms are calmed, and the sun- 
beams, of happiness again dawn upon my heart. 

Enter Mi7iona, Ellen, O' Connolly, &c. [L. ff.] 

Minona. ^ly dearest sister, my Kathleen safe! Oh! 
how musical the voice of sisterly affection, it is as sweet 
as the vernal gale embalmed with the breath of roses. 
Thrice welcome to my heart. [They embrace. 

O^ Connolly. My chief returned, and the Lady Kath- 
leen safe, and locking as beautiful as Ererallin when she 
captivated the heart of Ossian — oh my old heart is in a 
blaze of delight. But my mind will remain on the rack 
of impatience, until I learn how her Ladyship was car- 
ried out of the castle, for certainly it was a magician, 
or a devil, that evaded my watcliful eye. 

Phelim. What means this spectacle which I see? — 
Why is the pious Iiermlt, Brian, guarded? Speak, and 
Mnravel all this mystery? 

Kathleen. That best can I, father: — This vile hypo- 
critical wretch, in collusion with Birmingham, forced 
me from the castle. 

O^ Connolly. I'or heaven's sake Lady, through what 
door, or aperture did they convey you; for surely th^ 
old necromancers that practiced their deceptions on our 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 71 

Milesian ancestors, could not have passed out that night 
unknown to Patrick O'Connolly. 

Kathleen. There is a subterraneous passage O'Con. 
noUy, leading to the castle of my father, through which 
they bore me, good Warder. 

Phelim, And did Ulster contain so foul a monster? — 

Minona. Alas ! as yet you know not half his perfi- 
dious crimes. 

Kathleen. How I escaped, I need not now relate — 
Enough — this chivalric youth achieved my rescue. 

[ The Prince comes fovward, 

Phelim. This youth, {taking his hand)) noble fellow f 
but who is he? 

Kathleen. The reigning Prince of Thomond, my 
Lord. 

Thomond. My Lord, I pray you pardon my passing 
myself off as a minstrel, as the motive will extenuate the 
deception. — Fame had declared the Lady Kathleen's 
virtues, I loved those virtues; yet I wished to prove, if 
fame had over-stepped the bounds of truth. "I came, 
— I'saw, — she conquered." From my heart her loved 
idea cannot be effaced. Oh! then, Prince, permit me 
to declare my passion, and supplicate the Lady Kath- 
leen's hand. 

Phelim. She shall be thine, brave Thomond; this only 

could repay the mighty debt of gratitude we owe thee. 

[Placing- her hand in his. 

Thomond. The possession of the lovely Kathleen 
will make me happier than ever Csesar was on his 
throne, when the world offered him homage. 

Phelim. (To Black Brian.) But now stand forth, 
thou base ungrateful man, whom I have fostered with a 
guardian's care; and ye brave chiefs and followers, 
around, bear witness to the righteous justice of O'Neil. 

[Black Brian ia led forth, Turloch starts on seeing 
him. 

Turloch, Accursed fiend! and is it thou? Ob, noble 
G 2 



n KATHLEEN O'NETL. ' 

Phelim, there stands the wretch who has destroyed my 
peace! 

^11. Oh, the vile and atrocious imp of turpitude! 

Phelim. Who then can wonder at this last attempt? 

Black Brian. Thou need'st not wonder, for my soul 
disdains to hide one act. It w^as I who slew O'Cahan, 
to gain the lands he held — the maid he loved.— -Foiled 
in these hopes, I would have slain the chieftain, — part in 
revenge, because he spurned my suit—but more, be- 
cause t would be chief myself. Start not, Turloch, it 
was noble to conceive the thought! That I had talents, 
I was proudly conscious; and had I succeeded in seat- 
ing myself in the castle of O'Cahan, who would have 
dared to say, «' What placed thee there?" 

Turloch. Ohlwhat an expanded mind thou hast destroy- 
ed! Hadst thou been virtuous, thou hadst been immortal? 

Minbna. Thou dost not tell of all the nefarious arts, 
by which thou didst endeavour to ensnare my youthful 
mind, and lead me into vice, ere I was competent of dis- 
tinguishing between the calm and steady form of friend- 
ship, and the bright and fascinating aspect of love. 

JSlach Brian^ I dare avow, whatever I dare conceive, 
Ti*ue I did woo thee with the softest vows, in order to 
seduce your affections, but your heart, young as it was; 
then, was pHghted to another. Had I succeeded in win- 
ning your love, I would ascend to Pheliiri's dignity, where 
my talents would have full scope for exertion. 

Cormac. I believe it is the old one after all, for I 
smell sulphur. 

Black Brian. Prince, you wronged me once — I swore 
revenge: this was my motive to assist the Enghsh Lord 
Deputy. It was I that caused your war horse to plunge 
— 'twas I that, midst the castle's festive scene, chaunted 
a Banshee strain, that awed and terrified every mind ex- 
cept your own. 

Phelim. His life has been a tissued web of atrocious 
crimes, each deeper in shade than was its fellow; and 
it is meet he die, to cleanse these stains of turpitude, in 
the fountain of atonement. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 79 

Kathleen. My father, in thy wrath, remember, the 
conqueror's brightest attribute — mercy. — 

Phelim. He showed thee none, my child—compas- 
sion never melted his frozen breast. — Therefore, retri- 
butive justice demands his death. — Away with him to 
execution. [ The ancient bard of O'JVeil steps fonuard. 

Bard. Prince, because the wolf devours the helpless 
lamb, must the proud eagle dip his beak in gore? Why 
does our ancient Brehon statutes forbid the shedding of 
Milesian blood. The wise and equitable laws of the 
sage Brehons, were the laws of Ireland for age^, and 
gave liberty and protection to her sons. Violate them 
not. Prince, your illustrious ancestors held them sacred, 
and during their existence Erin was, what I hope she 
will soon be again. — great, glorious, free, and indepen- 
dent. 

Phelim. Hear then our sentence,— bear him hence to 
prison, there let a pious Priest attend him daily, and if 
his prayers shall lead him to repent, release him, but till 
then securely guard him. 

Black Brian. Spite of your vengeance I will still be 

great: my body you can bind, but not my soul. Oh! 

how I scorn thy power! I could elude its utmost stretch 
— for I could die; but I will live to mock thy punish- 
ments, and show thee that Brian's mind shall rise great 
in gigantic strength, and stern contempt! 

[As they are leading him offj Birmingham^ andfolloTv- 
erSf enter. 

Thomond. Cowardly Saxon! are you ready to answer 
to me, for your base conduct to this noble Lady.? 

Birmingham. Who art thou, stripling, that so insult' 
ingly oifers to becomethe Lady's champion? 

Thomond. The son of a Prince, that never lowered 
the standard of Erin, before the ferocious lion of En- 
gland. I am the heir of that regal Thomond, whom 
your countrymen basely murdered, and I have long 
wished for an opportunity of measuring swords with 
thee. Come to yonder ramparts, and try what virtue 



80 KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 

there is my Lord, in Irish steel. —Your conduct to this 
Lady was that of a coward. 

Phelim. No Cousin of Thomond, it is me he must 
encounter in personal combat, {Kathleen and Minona, 
evince fright and agitation,) an O'Neil never gave way, 
even to a lover, in avenging the insults offered to his 
child. Birmingham was this a noble act? Was it such, 
as comported with the honour of a soldier? 

Birmingham. I am ashamed of my own conduct, and 
will not justify it by entering the lists with you; then 
cease your upbraidings; Oh were I but revenged on 
one vile slave, I care not for the rest. — Ha! by the angels, 
thou art there! 

Black Brian. Yes, and prepared to answer whatever 
thou canst urge against me — I am as firm, sir, as one of 
the pillars of the Giant's causeway. 

Birmingham. Audacious anchorite! thou hast betray- 
ed me; and with this sword I shall try thy boasted rocky 
firmness. 

Black Brian. Chieftain I tell thee, to thy teeth, it is 
false! 

\_Birmingham seizes Mtn furiously, in the struggle he 
stabs Brian, loho falls and dies. . 

Thomond. Lord Birmingham, thou hast wronged him 
much, he served thee but too well. 

Birmingham. I did not mean his death; but he pro- 
voked me beyond my patience's utmost power to bear. 

Phelim. Heaven, by thy hand, has punished all his 
crimes. 
Proved its justice: — he deserves his fate. — 
But thou, proud chieftain, instantly depart: — 
Thou didst infringe the laws which should have bound 
Thy hand from every act of hostile terror, — 
Go to thy Pale,* no warrior shall impede 
Thy progress thence. 

* The Pale, as the English called the province of Leinster, 
which they i)ossessed by the treason of Dermod McMurroughj 



„^^gm 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 81 

Birmingham. Yes, I will depart; but beware! the 
time may come, when with my warlike hosts I shall re- 
turn to make thee regret thy conduct on this day! 

JPhelim. My Lord, 1 am always ready to meet a foe 
on the field of battle, in honourable combat. 

Thomond. It well becomes a man who has made war 
upon a helpless female tohold out empty threats; — it is 
superlatively ridiculous. What a specimen of English 
valour! 

Birmingham. Kemem.ber O'Brien that we may meet 
on the Shannon's bank, on more equal terms than we 
can here. [Exeunt Birmingham, &c, 

Minbna, Though my beloved sister! my heart is 
dead to love, and cold as the senseless marble; though 
it is disappointed in its brightest expectations, and be- 
nighted in the moonless misery of anguish, still thy ap- 
proaching bliss throws a ray of pleasure over the deso- 
lation of my mind. May the connubial torch blaze for 
you; and the Prince you love, with undiminished lustre. 

Enter J\for7ia. {li. //.) 

Kathleen. (^Embracing her.) Welcome good Morna. 

JMorna. Oh, my dear Lady, ho\f fast I have run, — I 
am quite out of breath. — Welcome, my darling, — wel- 
come a thousand times, with your youngPrince — Oh its 
little I thought that this m.instrel was a Prince; now we 
"will have a wedding my Lady, at least.— How my heart 
jumps for joy, my Lady, when I think of the great do- 
ings in the abbey, and banqueting hall, (aside,) And I 
think there will be more brides than one, for now that 
the war is over, Cormac will, Ihope, marry me, so I de= 



the ravisher of the Queen of Brefieny, comprehended (he 
counties of Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, "Kilkenny, King's Co. 
Queen's Co. Lonsfoi^d, Louth, part of Meath,and"West Meath, 
Wexford, and Wicklov. This district, the English fortified 
by numerous castles, and made subject to their own form of 
lesislation. 



82 KATHLEEN O'KEIL. 

vote myself Cupid, to thy shrine; lend me but one ar- 
row, guide it successfully to Cormac's heart, and then 
dispose of Morna as it shall please you, dear divinity. 

Phelim, For your zeal and devotion, in the cause of 
your Prince and country, my faithful soldiers and friends 
I thank you all, and will reward your patriotism, should 
our English foes dare to issue from their fortress of Ar- 
dee,* to invade our frontiers, 1 have only to unfurl the 
green banner of Erin, again, and you will all quickly ar- 
ray yourselves under it, and drive them back to the Pale. 

ML We will — we will; always fight for Erin, and 
O'Neil.: 

O' Coniiolly. My Lord there is one favour, would you 
grant it? 

Phelim.. Name it — you need but ask. To make all 
my people happy is to me a pleasing duty, as like the 
sun, I wish to enliven every planet in my system, with 
cheerful rays. 

* Arbee, which was a place of consequence before the 
Christian era, is situated on both banks of the river Dee, in 
the county of Louth, at the distance of thirty-four miles N. 
E. from Dublin. In oyjulence, i^espectability, and population, 
it ranks next to Dro.^heda and Dundalk, it was the scene of 
many memorable events, that occurred before the arrival of 
the English, of which, we have given relation in our history 
of Ireland. King John caused it to be walled and fortified. 

In 1207, Roger Peppard, (the remote ancestor of the author 
of this drama,) built here a superb castle, as well as a large 
abbey for Friars, of the order of St. Augustin. His grand- 
son, Ralph, Lord of Ardee, erected another abbey dedicated 
to St. John, (on the site of which, the present Roman Catho- 
lic Chapel stands.) \n the reign of Edward 1. In 1315, Prince 
Edward Bruce, captured Ardee, and set fire to the church of 
St. Mary, while filled w.ith men, women, and children, the 
entire of whom perished in the flames. But these events will 
be detailed in our history of Ireland. The castle was repaired 
in 1812, and is now used as a session house. The country in 
the vicinity of Ai-dee, is ricli and beautiful. In the neighbour- 
hood of that town, the fondly remembered scene of happiness, - 
the author of this drama was born, on the .23d of June, 1793. 



KATHLEEN O'NEIL. 83 

Ol^' Connolly. My Lord, my .son loves the youthful and 
modest Ellen — would your highness but sanction their 
union. 

Phelim. 'Tis granted; and I will provide for faithful 
Cormac's comfort. 

* Thomond. And for his atten-tion to my Kathleen, I 
shall have the pleasure of rewarding him too. 

JMorna. {Seizing Cormac's hand.) Is it possible Cor- 
mac, that after all the soft and gallant things you have 
whispered in my ears,_that you are now going to desert 
me, and marry an artful coquette, a refined lump of rus- 
ticity, who has flirted away with every one that offered 
her compliments; — and she has a heart, like wax, ready 
to receive every impression that is applied to it — Oh, it 
is enough to drive me mad. (Pouts and tuhines.) 

Cormac, Dear Morna, I never meant to — . . 

Morna. Silence you coxcomb, you are blind to my 
perfections, you are no judge of beauty, — awayingrate, 
to your hoyden of affectation, and don't think I will 
throw myself in the lake on your account.~Oh no, — 
for there is as good fish in the sea as ever were caught, 
and though I could not hook a gudgeon, a woman of my 
appearance, and manners, cannot fish long for a husband, 
in the ocean of life. 

Cormac. {AsideJ^ Curse on your vanity and conceit. 

^Phelim. Now let us to the castle, and conclude this 
night with festive mirth; and may we learn one awful 
lesson from the scenes just past, — that never yet did 
guilt escape detection, though demons leagued to hide 
it from the world. 

GLEE.— FINALE. 

By Miss Balfour. 
A\v.—" Paddy Carey.'*' 
Peace and joy their gifts bestowing. 
Every breast with rapture glowing*^ 
Ev'ry cheek suffusM with pleasure, 
"Wake the harp's enlivening measure. 



84 KATHLEEN O'NEIL, 

Discord now, no more dividing,-^ 

Shamrock wreaths our hearts entwine. 

Temperance o'er the feast presiding, — 
Fill the bowl with rosy wine. 

Chorus. 
Peace and joy their gifts bestowing, &c. 

Cormac. 

In my Ellen's love possessing, 
Ev'ry joy and ev'ry blessing; 
Love his pinions widely spreading, 
Soon shall crown our happy wedding. 

Rich in ev'ry sweet enjoyment. 
Which our kind protectors give, 

Be it hence our sole employment, 
Pleasing those by whom we live. 

Chorus. 
Peace and joy, &c. 

[ Curtain falls slowly. 




FINIS. 



